Egypt: Market for Crabs and Crab Meat 2025

Market Size for Crabs and Crab Meat in Egypt

In 2021, the Egyptian crab and crab meat market decreased by -17.7% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. In general, the total consumption indicated tangible growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +52.0% against 2018 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X, and then fell significantly in the following year.

Production of Crabs and Crab Meat in Egypt

In value terms, crab and crab meat production contracted dramatically to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, showed a pronounced increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 215%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X, and then fell dramatically in the following year.

Exports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Exports from Egypt

In 2021, after three years of decline, there was significant growth in shipments abroad of crabs and crab meat, when their volume increased by 82% to X tons. Overall, exports recorded a significant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 4,009%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, crab and crab meat exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 3,769%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Belgium (X tons) was the main destination for crab and crab meat exports from Egypt, with a 74% share of total exports. Moreover, crab and crab meat exports to Belgium exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, the United Arab Emirates (X tons), fivefold.

From 2016 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Belgium was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+35.9% per year) and Italy (-82.0% per year).

In value terms, Belgium ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for crabs and crab meat exports from Egypt, comprising 85% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Italy ($X), with an 11% share of total exports.

From 2016 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Belgium was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Italy (-77.2% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (+44.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average crab and crab meat export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 9.6% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average export price increased by 199% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2016 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Italy (+26.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Imports into Egypt

In 2021, the amount of crabs and crab meat imported into Egypt expanded significantly to X tons, increasing by 8.1% compared with the year before. Overall, imports, however, showed a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 109% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, crab and crab meat imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, imports saw a notable expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 174%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Yemen (X tons), Tunisia (X tons) and Bahrain (X tons) were the main suppliers of crab and crab meat imports to Egypt, together accounting for 79% of total imports. Norway lagged somewhat behind, comprising a further 4.1%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Norway (with a CAGR of +51.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, Yemen ($X), Tunisia ($X) and Bahrain ($X) were the largest crab and crab meat suppliers to Egypt, together accounting for 79% of total imports. These countries were followed by Norway, which accounted for a further 4.1%.

Among the main suppliers, Norway, with a CAGR of +102.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, 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, increasing by 48% against the previous year. In general, the import price posted a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 an increase of 256%. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the highest price was recorded for prices from Norway ($X per ton) and Bahrain ($X per ton), while the price for Yemen ($X per ton) and Tunisia ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Tunisia (+57.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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