China Emerges as Global Core Market for Crab: Import and Consumption Both Heating Up

In 2024, China's crab market performed brilliantly, with both imports and consumption on the rise, solidifying its position as a globally significant player

• Import Scale: In 2024, crab imports reached 133,000 tons, up 12% year-on-year; the average import price remained stable at $15,763 per ton.

  
  

  Major supplying countries: Russia (42,000 tons), Vietnam (16,000 tons), Canada (11,000 tons).

• Consumption Power Highlights: 2024 consumption hit 2 million tons (up 1.1% YoY), accounting for over 50% of global total output; market value reached $17.4 billion (up 2.7%), with trade volume of $2.1 billion, making China the world's largest importer.

• 2025 Trends: In the first 5 months, Vietnam's crab exports to mainland China and Hong Kong neared $80 million, surging 71% YoY; full-year imports are expected to grow 5%-10%, with consumption continuing to rise slightly.

Supplying countries like Vietnam are targeting the mid-to-high-end market, with their products entering restaurants, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms in major Chinese cities, showing considerable future potential.