MENA: Market for Crabs and Crab Meat 2025

Market Size for Crabs and Crab Meat in MENA

For the sixth year in a row, the MENA's crab and crab meat market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 3.6% to $X in 2021. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% 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 reached the peak level in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Production of Crabs and Crab Meat in MENA

In value terms, crab and crab meat production contracted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a noticeable expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% 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 +66.4% against 2017 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 38%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X, and then declined in the following year.

Exports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Exports in MENA

Crab and crab meat exports expanded to X tons in 2021, growing by 2.3% on 2020 figures. Overall, exports showed a resilient expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 86%. The volume of export peaked 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 amounted to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports posted a prominent expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 73%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Bahrain (X tons) was the largest exporter of crabs and crab meat, mixing up 69% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Tunisia (X tons), creating a 24% share of total exports. Saudi Arabia (X tons) and Yemen (X tons) held 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, Tunisia (+63.0%), Yemen (+22.5%) and Saudi Arabia (+8.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Tunisia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in MENA, with a CAGR of +63.0% from 2012-2021. While the share of Tunisia (+23 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Saudi Arabia (-1.9 p.p.) and Bahrain (-8.1 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Bahrain ($X) remains the largest crab and crab meat supplier in MENA, comprising 63% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Tunisia ($X), with a 27% share of total exports. It was followed by Saudi Arabia, with a 2.5% share.

In Bahrain, crab and crab meat exports expanded at an average annual rate of +11.6% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Tunisia (+48.3% per year) and Saudi Arabia (+3.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MENA stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the export price increased by 5.5%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Yemen (-1.0%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Imports in MENA

In 2021, the amount of crabs and crab meat imported in MENA rose remarkably to X tons, growing by 12% compared with 2020. In general, imports posted buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 68%. 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 skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, imports recorded strong growth. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

The countries with the highest levels of crab and crab meat imports in 2021 were Kuwait (X tons), Bahrain (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons), together amounting to 90% of total import. The following importers - Algeria (X tons), Egypt (X tons) and Oman (X tons) - each accounted for a 5.1% share of total imports.

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 ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported crabs and crab meat in MENA, comprising 60% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Kuwait ($X), with a 9.8% share of total imports. It was followed by Egypt, with a 4.4% share.

In the United Arab Emirates, crab and crab meat imports increased at an average annual rate of +11.6% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Kuwait (+28.4% per year) and Egypt (+4.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MENA stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 80% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a noticeable descent. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 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 Egypt ($X per ton), while Bahrain ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Egypt (+11.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform