Benelux: Market for Crabs and Crab Meat 2025

Market Size for Crabs and Crab Meat in Benelux

In 2021, the Benelux crab and crab meat market was finally on the rise to reach $X after four years of decline. Overall, consumption, however, recorded a perceptible slump. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Crabs and Crab Meat in Benelux

In value terms, crab and crab meat production rose to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated noticeable growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -7.6% against 2017 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the production volume increased by 24%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Exports in Benelux

In 2021, after three years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas shipments of crabs and crab meat, when their volume decreased by -24.3% to X tons. Over the period under review, exports, however, enjoyed a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 117% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons, and then fell remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, crab and crab meat exports declined sharply to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, saw a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 122% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X, and then fell dramatically in the following year.

Exports by Country

In 2021, the Netherlands (X tons) was the largest exporter of crabs and crab meat, creating 88% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), creating a 12% share of total exports.

The Netherlands was also the fastest-growing in terms of the crabs and crab meat exports, with a CAGR of +18.3% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Belgium (+1.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of the Netherlands (+22 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Belgium (-21.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the largest crab and crab meat supplier in Benelux, comprising 88% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 12% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in the Netherlands stood at +20.5%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 8.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 17%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Belgium totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+1.9%).

Imports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Imports in Benelux

In 2021, approx. X tons of crabs and crab meat were imported in Benelux; surging by 120% compared with 2020. In general, imports saw a remarkable increase. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, crab and crab meat imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports recorded moderate growth. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands was the largest importer of crabs and crab meat in Benelux, with the volume of imports recording X tons, which was near 80% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), making up a 19% share of total imports.

The Netherlands was also the fastest-growing in terms of the crabs and crab meat imports, with a CAGR of +13.4% from 2012 to 2021. Belgium (-5.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of the Netherlands (+35 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Belgium (-33.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported crabs and crab meat in Benelux, comprising 68% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 30% share of total imports.

In the Netherlands, crab and crab meat imports increased at an average annual rate of +11.6% over the period from 2012-2021.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, reducing by -33.6% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a slight decrease. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 19%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the Netherlands totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+2.5%).

Source: IndexBox Platform