Middle East: Market for Crabs and Crab Meat 2024

Market Size for Crabs and Crab Meat in the Middle East

The Middle Eastern crab and crab meat market was estimated at $X in 2021, rising by 6.7% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Production of Crabs and Crab Meat in the Middle East

In value terms, crab and crab meat production dropped slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the production volume increased by 23% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

Exports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Exports in the Middle East

In 2021, the amount of crabs and crab meat exported in the Middle East surged to X tons, with an increase of 23% against the previous year's figure. In general, exports saw a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 64%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, crab and crab meat exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports posted strong growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 56% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Bahrain dominates exports structure, accounting for X tons, which was approx. 90% of total exports in 2021. Saudi Arabia (X tons), Yemen (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) held a minor share of total exports.

Exports from Bahrain increased at an average annual rate of +12.9% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Yemen (+22.5%), the United Arab Emirates (+18.7%) and Saudi Arabia (+8.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Yemen emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the Middle East, with a CAGR of +22.5% from 2012-2021. Saudi Arabia (-1.8 p.p.) significantly weakened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Bahrain ($X) remains the largest crab and crab meat supplier in the Middle East, comprising 88% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 4.2% share of total exports. It was followed by Saudi Arabia, with a 3.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Bahrain amounted to +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

In 2021, the export price in the Middle East amounted to $X per ton, waning by -4.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a mild decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 6.8% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

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 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 Yemen (-1.0%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Crabs and Crab Meat

Imports in the Middle East

In 2021, approx. X tons of crabs and crab meat were imported in the Middle East; increasing by 13% on 2020. Over the period under review, imports recorded a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 131% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

In value terms, crab and crab meat imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, imports enjoyed prominent growth. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Kuwait (X tons), Bahrain (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) was the largest importer of crabs and crab meat in the Middle East, constituting 93% 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 ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported crabs and crab meat in the Middle East, comprising 64% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Kuwait ($X), with a 10% share of total imports. It was followed by Bahrain, with a 2.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the United Arab Emirates amounted to +11.6%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Kuwait (+28.4% per year) and Bahrain (+15.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in the Middle East amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 83% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a abrupt setback. 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 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

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