Fresh rock lobster trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in fresh rock lobster was worth $1.23 billion in 2024, about 29.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 30% since 2017, and up 14% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1.23B | 29.8K t |
| 2023 | $1.08B | 21.1K t |
| 2022 | $1.17B | 25.9K t |
| 2021 | $836.0M | 19.7K t |
| 2020 | $951.5M | 24.0K t |
| 2019 | $1.02B | 21.9K t |
| 2018 | $1.13B | 22.5K t |
| 2017 | $947.8M | 22.6K t |
Top fresh rock lobster exporting countries
Vietnam is the largest exporter with 29% of world exports, followed by Australia and New Zealand. The top three supply 67% between them, out of 82 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | $359.4M | 29% |
| Australia | $247.0M | 20% |
| New Zealand | $212.1M | 17% |
| Indonesia | $81.8M | 6.7% |
| Mexico | $80.3M | 6.5% |
| United States | $78.6M | 6.4% |
| South Africa | $19.4M | 1.6% |
| United Kingdom | $17.3M | 1.4% |
| Portugal | $16.7M | 1.4% |
| Morocco | $14.6M | 1.2% |
| Mauritania | $11.9M | 1% |
| Myanmar | $10.0M | 0.8% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 69% of world imports, ahead of Hong Kong and Vietnam. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 86% across 98 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $849.4M | 69% |
| Hong Kong | $133.6M | 11% |
| Vietnam | $69.5M | 5.7% |
| Macao | $46.1M | 3.8% |
| Taiwan | $31.6M | 2.6% |
| Thailand | $17.5M | 1.4% |
| Portugal | $15.3M | 1.2% |
| Spain | $14.1M | 1.2% |
| Singapore | $12.0M | 1% |
| France | $10.2M | 0.8% |
| Italy | $8.6M | 0.7% |
| United States | $4.4M | 0.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $41.23 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, New Zealand averaged $81.97 per kg and the United Kingdom $24.76 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 0306.31: Crustaceans: live, fresh or chilled, rock lobsters and other sea crawfish (Palinurus spp., Panulirus spp., Jasus spp.), in shell or not. HS 0306 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most fresh rock lobster?
Vietnam exported $359.4 million in 2024, 29% of the world total, followed by Australia (20%) and New Zealand (17%). In all, 82 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most fresh rock lobster?
China imported $849.4 million in 2024, 69% of world imports, ahead of Hong Kong (11%) and Vietnam (6%). The top three importers together take 86%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in fresh rock lobster?
It was worth $1.23 billion in 2024, about 29.8 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 30% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 82 countries reported exports and 98 reported imports.
What is the average price of fresh rock lobster per kg?
The world average declared value was about $41.23 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, New Zealand averaged $81.97 per kg and the United Kingdom $24.76 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for fresh rock lobster?
The HS code for fresh rock lobster is subheading 0306.31, in chapter 03 (fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 0306 page.
How can I find fresh rock lobster buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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