Prepared lobster trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in prepared lobster was worth $433.2 million in 2024, about 13.9 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 27% since 2017, and up 16% 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 | $433.2M | 13.9K t |
| 2023 | $373.9M | 13.8K t |
| 2022 | $400.3M | 14.3K t |
| 2021 | $588.1M | 15.8K t |
| 2020 | $277.2M | 10.9K t |
| 2019 | $333.4M | 13.5K t |
| 2018 | $304.0M | 11.7K t |
| 2017 | $341.0M | 12.5K t |
Top prepared lobster exporting countries
Canada is the largest exporter with 93% of world exports, followed by the United States and France. The top three supply 96% between them, out of 58 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $403.5M | 93% |
| United States | $7.8M | 1.8% |
| France | $3.1M | 0.7% |
| Hong Kong | $2.1M | 0.5% |
| China | $2.0M | 0.5% |
| United Kingdom | $1.5M | 0.4% |
| Denmark | $1.5M | 0.3% |
| Taiwan | $1.5M | 0.3% |
| Japan | $1.4M | 0.3% |
| Malaysia | $1.3M | 0.3% |
| Ireland | $1.1M | 0.3% |
| Spain | $999K | 0.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are the United States (87%), Hong Kong (1%) and France (1%). 111 countries imported it, and the top three take 90% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $377.8M | 87% |
| Hong Kong | $6.0M | 1.4% |
| France | $5.8M | 1.3% |
| China | $5.6M | 1.3% |
| United Kingdom | $5.1M | 1.2% |
| Italy | $3.9M | 0.9% |
| Macao | $3.2M | 0.7% |
| Belgium | $2.9M | 0.7% |
| Australia | $2.1M | 0.5% |
| Canada | $1.9M | 0.4% |
| Denmark | $1.7M | 0.4% |
| Japan | $1.7M | 0.4% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $31.13 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United Kingdom averaged $44.04 per kg and China $2.50 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
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 1605.30: Crustacean preparations: lobster, prepared or preserved. HS 1605 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most prepared lobster?
Canada exported $403.5 million in 2024, 93% of the world total, followed by the United States (2%) and France (1%). In all, 58 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most prepared lobster?
The United States imported $377.8 million in 2024, 87% of world imports, ahead of Hong Kong (1%) and France (1%). The top three importers together take 90%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in prepared lobster?
It was worth $433.2 million in 2024, about 13.9 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 27% since 2017. The peak year was 2021 at $588.1 million. 58 countries reported exports and 111 reported imports.
What is the average price of prepared lobster per kg?
The world average declared value was about $31.13 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the United Kingdom averaged $44.04 per kg and China $2.50 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 prepared lobster?
The HS code for prepared lobster is subheading 1605.30, in chapter 16 (meat, fish, crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates, or insects; preparations thereof). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 1605 page.
How can I find prepared 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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