Vietnamese Crabs Gain Dominance in US Market with 74% Export Surge

Vietnamese crabs (ghẹ) are increasingly dominating the US market, with exports to the United States surging by 74% in the first half of this year to reach $36 million, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (Vasep). The US market now accounts for a commanding 82% of Vietnam's total crab exports. Vasep noted that the US is not only increasing its purchases but also solidifying its increasingly dominant position in the export structure. Data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Vietnam as a key crab supplier to the US, exporting 4,143 tons in 2025. This volume places Vietnam second only to Indonesia (14,290 tons) and ahead of the Philippines (2,417 tons) and Sri Lanka (820 tons). The export growth for Vietnamese crabs to the US accelerated from the second quarter of this year. Orders have significantly increased, particularly after May, as the US market has tightened its requirements for products with clear origins, stable supply, and compliance with new import standards. In May, the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reviewed its conclusions regarding compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for crabs. The agency decided to ban imports from the Philippines while allowing imports from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. This regulatory shift is believed to have boosted the export of Vietnamese crabs. Overall, crab exports in the first six months of the year reached $43 million, a 56% increase compared to the same period last year. This product has seen continuous month-on-month growth in export value, with Vasep identifying it as currently the fastest-growing product in the crab and other crustaceans sector.