According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s crab and swimming crab exports grew strongly in the first two months of 2025, reaching over USD 62 million (VND 1.55 trillion) — an 86% increase compared to the same period last year.
VASEP projects that in 2025, Vietnam’s crab and swimming crab exports could exceed USD 350 million, driven by rising global demand.
Crab Exports Continue Strong Growth Momentum
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In 2024, Vietnam’s crab and crustacean exports also showed robust performance, increasing 54% year-on-year in September 2024.
According to VASEP, Vietnamese crab and swimming crab have solidified their position in the global market thanks to their superior quality, compliance with food safety standards, and antibiotic-free production — key factors enhancing competitiveness in high-demand markets.
Currently, China, Hong Kong (China), Japan, the United States, Canada, and South Korea are the largest importers of Vietnam’s crab and other crustaceans, accounting for more than 96% of total export value.
Among them, China remains the main growth driver, with rising demand for live crab, while steady purchases from Japan have also contributed to maintaining a strong upward export trend.
Seafood Sector Shows Broad-Based Growth
Beyond crab, Vietnam’s seafood industry overall reported a positive start to 2025, with total export value reaching USD 1.42 billion — up 18% year-on-year.
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Shrimp continued to lead the sector, generating USD 542 million, up 30.8%.
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Mollusks with shells surged 121% to USD 39 million.
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Squid and octopus exports grew 13.8%, reaching USD 101 million.
These figures signal that global seafood demand remains high, providing a strong momentum for Vietnam’s exporters.
However, not all seafood segments recorded positive growth. Pangasius (tra fish) exports dropped slightly by 0.8%, totaling USD 253 million, mainly due to higher input costs, tighter U.S. tariff policies, and large inventory backlogsin the American market. These challenges are prompting producers to adjust production plans to avoid oversupply risks.
Regulatory Challenges Remain a Key Concern
Despite the positive outlook, the Vietnamese seafood industry continues to face regulatory hurdles, particularly from the European Union’s IUU regulations and the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
These frameworks require strict traceability and sustainability compliance — and failure to meet these standards could lead to import bans, directly impacting export turnover.
VASEP emphasized that building a transparent, sustainable supply chain and coordinating closely between exporters, fishermen, and regulators is crucial for ensuring long-term growth.
Outlook: Sustainable Growth Toward USD 11 Billion in Exports
If Vietnam can stabilize raw material sources and further improve product quality, the country’s total seafood exports in 2025 could reach USD 11 billion — setting a solid foundation for Vietnam’s continued success on the global seafood trade map.