HS Code:
Freshwater crawfish, classified under HS Code 0306.19 (Crustaceans, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted or in brine), includes species such as Procambarus clarkii (red swamp crawfish) and others primarily harvested for human consumption. This category is a niche yet significant segment of the global seafood market, with trade driven by demand for gourmet and regional cuisines, particularly in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Crawfish are often sold live or frozen to maintain freshness, and their trade is influenced by seasonal availability, aquaculture practices, and environmental regulations.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $500 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$200 million USD
40% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$150 million USD
30% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
$50 million USD
10% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$30 million USD
6% of global trade of total trade
Stable
$20 million USD
4% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
8% ad valorem
Highest Rate
20% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local markets)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as USMCA and EU trade pacts)
Growing demand in Asia-Pacific
Increased exports from the United States and China to meet rising consumption in countries like Japan and South Korea, driven by interest in Western cuisines.
2021-2023
Sustainability concerns
Shift towards certified sustainable aquaculture practices due to environmental concerns over wild harvesting and invasive species risks.
2020-2022
Technological advancements in freezing
Improved freezing and storage technologies have extended shelf life, facilitating long-distance trade and reducing spoilage losses.
2019-2023
As part of Phase One trade deal, China reduced tariffs on US crawfish imports, boosting American exports to the Chinese market.
January 2020
Increased US market share in China by approximately 15% over two years.
The European Union tightened restrictions on the import of certain crawfish species classified as invasive, affecting trade from the US and China.
August 2022
Reduced export volumes to EU markets by 10%, redirecting trade to other regions.
China announced investments in crawfish aquaculture to meet domestic demand and reduce reliance on imports, particularly from the US.
March 2023
Potential decrease in import demand, affecting global trade dynamics in the long term.