HS Code:
Callinectes spp., including the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), falls under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 0306.24, which covers crabs, whether in shell or not, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, dried, salted, or in brine. Blue crabs are a highly valued seafood product, primarily harvested in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, with significant commercial and recreational fisheries. They are prized for their sweet, tender meat and are a staple in many regional cuisines, particularly in the United States (e.g., Maryland and Louisiana). The global trade of blue crabs and related species involves both wild-caught and aquaculture sources, with demand driven by seafood markets in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 250,000 metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics, UN Comtrade Database
120,000 metric tons
48% of total trade of total trade
Stable
50,000 metric tons
20% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
30,000 metric tons
12% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
20,000 metric tons
8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
15,000 metric tons
6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
7.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain Asian markets)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA)
Rising demand for sustainable seafood
Increased pressure on exporters to obtain certifications like Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), driving up costs but also opening premium markets.
2021-2023
Growth in Asian markets
Significant increase in demand from China and Southeast Asia for both live and processed crabs, boosting export volumes from countries like Indonesia and Vietnam.
2020-2022
Climate change impacts
Shifts in crab populations due to warming waters and acidification, affecting harvest volumes in traditional regions like the Chesapeake Bay.
2019-2023
As part of broader trade negotiations, tariffs on U.S. blue crab exports to China were reduced from 15% to 7%, facilitating increased exports.
January 2023
Expected to boost U.S. export volumes by 10-15% annually to China.
The European Union introduced stricter import requirements for seafood, mandating traceability and sustainability certifications for all crab imports.
March 2023
Smaller exporters may face market access challenges, while larger players with certification capabilities gain a competitive edge.
After years of decline, blue crab populations in the Chesapeake Bay showed a significant recovery due to conservation efforts and favorable environmental conditions.
June 2022
Increased supply from the U.S. East Coast, stabilizing prices and supporting export growth.