GCC: Market for Crabs and Crab Meat 2025

Market Size for Crabs and Crab Meat in GCC

The GCC crab and crab meat market surged to $X in 2021, jumping by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Crabs and Crab Meat in GCC

In value terms, crab and crab meat production fell to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the production volume increased by 13%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Exports in GCC

In 2021, the amount of crabs and crab meat exported in GCC skyrocketed to X tons, rising by 25% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports posted resilient growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 63% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, crab and crab meat exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded resilient growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 54%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Bahrain prevails in exports structure, recording X tons, which was near 93% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Saudi Arabia (X tons), creating a 4.6% share of total exports. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) took a minor share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to crab and crab meat exports from Bahrain stood at +12.9%. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+18.7%) and Saudi Arabia (+8.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in GCC, with a CAGR of +18.7% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Saudi Arabia decreased by -1.8 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Bahrain ($X) remains the largest crab and crab meat supplier in GCC, comprising 92% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 4.4% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Bahrain totaled +11.6%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+17.3% per year) and Saudi Arabia (+3.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in GCC stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -4.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a slight slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 8.2%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Bahrain (-1.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Imports in GCC

Crab and crab meat imports reached X tons in 2021, increasing by 12% on 2020. Overall, imports showed a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 156%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

Imports by Country

The purchases of the three major importers of crabs and crab meat, namely Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, represented more than two-thirds of total import. Oman (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Kuwait (with a CAGR of +51.0%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported crabs and crab meat in GCC, comprising 73% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Kuwait ($X), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by Bahrain, with a 2.9% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in the United Arab Emirates stood at +11.6%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Kuwait (+28.4% per year) and Bahrain (+15.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 79% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a abrupt downturn. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Bahrain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+1.6%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform