Fresh crab exports from the United Kingdom: data, top buyers and prices
The United Kingdom exported $64.8 million of fresh crab in 2024 (10.4 thousand tonnes). It ranks 8th of 95 countries for exports of this product. Value fell 6% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $85.6 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $64.8M | 10.4K t |
| 2023 | $69.1M | 10.4K t |
| 2022 | $61.5M | 10.1K t |
| 2021 | $69.2M | 10.4K t |
| 2020 | $46.3M | 8.8K t |
| 2019 | $85.6M | 12.4K t |
| 2018 | $80.3M | 11.1K t |
| 2017 | $71.7M | 10.9K t |
Where the United Kingdom exports fresh crab to
France alone took 56% of it. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+110% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $36.1M | 56% |
| China | $9.8M | 15% |
| Spain | $8.6M | 13% |
| Portugal | $5.9M | 9.1% |
| Netherlands | $1.6M | 2.4% |
| Italy | $710K | 1.1% |
| Hong Kong | $638K | 1% |
| Vietnam | $530K | 0.8% |
| Ireland | $344K | 0.5% |
| Singapore | $215K | 0.3% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.24 per kg, 57% below the world average of $14.58, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Fresh crab imports to the United Kingdom
Imports of fresh crab by the United Kingdom reached $5.8 million in 2024 (1.0 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were Ireland (44%), Sri Lanka (32%), Greece (7%). Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest (+570% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $2.5M | 44% |
| Sri Lanka | $1.9M | 32% |
| Greece | $410K | 7.1% |
| Norway | $399K | 6.9% |
| Denmark | $121K | 2.1% |
| France | $89K | 1.6% |
| China | $88K | 1.5% |
| Spain | $87K | 1.5% |
| Canada | $71K | 1.2% |
| India | $40K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom fresh crab exports (HS 0306.33): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
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 0306.33: Crustaceans: live, fresh or chilled, crabs, whether in shell or not.
Common questions
What is the value of fresh crab exported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom exported fresh crab worth $64.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 8th of 95 countries worldwide, with 3% of world exports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries buy fresh crab from the United Kingdom?
France was the largest buyer with 56% of the value ($36.1 million), followed by China (15%) and Spain (13%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 29 buyer countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 232% on the year.
What is the average export price of fresh crab per kg?
The average declared export value was about $6.24 per kg in 2024, 57% below the world average of $14.58 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of fresh crab from the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Exports went from $71.7 million in 2017 to $64.8 million in 2024, a fall of 10%. The peak was 2019 at $85.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $68.6 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also import fresh crab?
Yes. The United Kingdom imported $5.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Ireland, Sri Lanka and Greece. On balance the United Kingdom is a net exporter of this product, by about $59.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for fresh crab?
The HS code for fresh crab is subheading 0306.33. It sits in HS chapter 03 (fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0306 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United Kingdom reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
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