MERCOSUR: Market for Prepared Or Preserved Crab Meat 2025

Market Size for Prepared Or Preserved Crab Meat in MERCOSUR

For the third year in a row, the MERCOSUR market for prepared or preserved crab meat recorded decline in sales value, which decreased by -2.9% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption, however, recorded a abrupt curtailment. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Production of Prepared Or Preserved Crab Meat in MERCOSUR

In value terms, prepared or preserved crab meat production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded a perceptible slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 139%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Prepared Or Preserved Crab Meat

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, shipments abroad of prepared or preserved crab meat decreased by -0.1% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Total exports indicated mild growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.0% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -13.4% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 33% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, prepared or preserved crab meat exports surged to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated tangible growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Venezuela dominates exports structure, finishing at X tons, which was approx. 73% of total exports in 2021. Colombia (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, followed by Chile (X tons) and Argentina (X tons). All these countries together held near 26% share of total exports.

Venezuela was also the fastest-growing in terms of the prepared or preserved crab meat exports, with a CAGR of +7.2% from 2012 to 2021. Colombia experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. Argentina (-6.6%) and Chile (-11.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Venezuela (+30 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Argentina and Chile saw its share reduced by -8.6% and -19.3% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Venezuela ($X) remains the largest prepared or preserved crab meat supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 79% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Colombia ($X), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Chile, with a 6.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Venezuela amounted to +15.0%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Colombia (+4.7% per year) and Chile (-13.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 45% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.7%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Colombia ($X per ton), while Argentina ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Venezuela (+7.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Imports of Prepared Or Preserved Crab Meat

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, approx. X tons of prepared or preserved crab meat were imported in MERCOSUR; increasing by 91% on 2020. Overall, imports, however, showed a pronounced descent. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, prepared or preserved crab meat imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt curtailment. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Ecuador (X tons) was the largest importer of prepared or preserved crab meat, comprising 49% of total imports. Chile (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, followed by Colombia (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 46% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Colombia (with a CAGR of -0.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, Ecuador ($X), Colombia ($X) and Chile ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 92% share of total imports.

Among the main importing countries, Colombia, with a CAGR of -3.2%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, falling by -12.5% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a mild slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 an increase of 69% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat 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 Colombia ($X per ton), while Chile ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ecuador (-2.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform