MERCOSUR: Market for Frozen Crabs And Crabs Meat 2025

Market Size for Frozen Crabs And Crabs Meat in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR market for frozen crabs and crabs meat decreased by -7.9% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Over the period under review, consumption, however, posted buoyant growth. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X, and then contracted in the following year.

Production of Frozen Crabs And Crabs Meat in MERCOSUR

In value terms, frozen crab and crab meat production reduced to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +84.3% against 2012 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the production volume increased by 21%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then declined modestly in the following year.

Exports of Frozen Crabs And Crabs Meat

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, overseas shipments of frozen crabs and crabs meat were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, exports, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 27%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, frozen crab and crab meat exports soared to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -11.3% against 2018 indices. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Chile was the main exporter of frozen crabs and crabs meat in MERCOSUR, with the volume of exports recording X tons, which was approx. 74% of total exports in 2021. Argentina (X tons) held a 15% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Uruguay (9.9%).

Chile was also the fastest-growing in terms of the frozen crabs and crabs meat exports, with a CAGR of +4.1% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Uruguay (+3.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, Argentina (-10.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Chile (+24 p.p.) and Uruguay (+3.2 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Argentina (-22.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Chile ($X) remains the largest frozen crab and crab meat supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 79% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Argentina ($X), with a 16% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Chile totaled +8.9%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Argentina (-1.0% per year) and Uruguay (+3.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 25% against the previous year. Export price indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +6.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while Uruguay ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (+10.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Imports of Frozen Crabs And Crabs Meat

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in supplies from abroad of frozen crabs and crabs meat, when their volume increased by 103% to X tons. Overall, imports, however, showed a slight decrease. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, frozen crab and crab meat imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The countries with the highest levels of frozen crab and crab meat imports in 2021 were Brazil (X tons), Ecuador (X tons) and Peru (X tons), together resulting at 73% of total import. Chile (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 12% share, followed by Venezuela (5.6%). The following importers - Colombia (X tons) and Argentina (X tons) - each accounted for a 6.5% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Ecuador (with a CAGR of +46.7%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported frozen crabs and crabs meat in MERCOSUR, comprising 52% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Peru ($X), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by Ecuador, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil stood at +4.2%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Peru (+10.7% per year) and Ecuador (+34.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 12% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.4%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 47% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, 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 Brazil ($X per ton), while Argentina ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+11.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform