Colombia: Market for Crabs and Crab Meat 2025

Market Size for Crabs and Crab Meat in Colombia

After two years of decline, the Colombian crab and crab meat market increased by 0.9% to $X in 2021. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Crabs and Crab Meat in Colombia

In value terms, crab and crab meat production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 43% against the previous year. Crab and crab meat production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Exports from Colombia

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in shipments abroad of crabs and crab meat, when their volume decreased by -47% to X tons. In general, exports faced a abrupt contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 254%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, crab and crab meat exports reduced markedly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 210%. The exports peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for crab and crab meat exports from Colombia, accounting for a 95% share of total exports. Moreover, crab and crab meat exports to the United States exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the Dominican Republic (X kg), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United States stood at +3.9%.

In value terms, the United States ($X) remains the key foreign market for crabs and crab meat exports from Colombia, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Dominican Republic ($X), with a 7.8% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States amounted to +8.3%.

Export Prices by Country

The average crab and crab meat export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 7.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 71% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Dominican Republic ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United States amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the Dominican Republic (+11.0%).

Imports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Imports into Colombia

In 2021, the amount of crabs and crab meat imported into Colombia skyrocketed to X tons, growing by 52% on the year before. Overall, imports, however, faced a abrupt descent. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, crab and crab meat imports surged to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a drastic downturn. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

The United States (X tons), Vietnam (X tons) and China (X tons) were the main suppliers of crab and crab meat imports to Colombia, together accounting for 75% of total imports. Greenland, Myanmar, Chile and Spain lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 17%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Spain (with a CAGR of +110.3%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Vietnam ($X), China ($X) and the United States ($X) were the largest crab and crab meat suppliers to Colombia, together comprising 78% of total imports.

Vietnam, with a CAGR of +51.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average crab and crab meat import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 24% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated mild growth from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, crab and crab meat import price increased by +36.5% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the average import price increased by 57%. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while the price for Spain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Japan (+105.0%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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