The news regarding the difficulties in exporting Ca Mau crabs to China is misleading

Over the past days, crab farmers and owners of crab farms in the province of Ca Mau have found themselves in a confusing circumstance upon learning the news that the transportation units for exporting their products to the Chinese market have abruptly canceled their services. After conducting verification, the relevant agencies in Ca Mau province have confirmed that the report is false and have said that the export of crabs to the Chinese market is continuing without any issues.

Reporters stationed at areas rich in crabs, such as Nam Can, Ngoc Hien, and Thoi Binh districts, have confirmed that the transportation of crabs, both for local consumption and export, is now operating without any disruptions.

According to Mr. Du Thai Binh, a representative of Du Thai Binh Co., Ltd., a major crab supplier in Ham Rong commune, Nam Can district, the news about Ca Mau crabs being denied transportation to Tan Son Nhat Airport for export came from a Zalo group that focuses on crab selling. However, in actuality, his company's crab transportation has never had any interruptions or encountered any challenges.

Mr. Tran Thanh Tung, the owner of a crab supplier in Tan Loc commune, Thoi Binh district, has been in the crab business for almost 13 years. He just learned that the transportation unit has stopped accepting Ca Mau crabs for sale to China. Nevertheless, both him and several other crab vendors in Ca Mau are seeing uninterrupted transportation and consumption operations. Mr. Tung said that he has not been notified about the ban of crab transportation for export.

In crab trading circles, a press release from Global Youth Trading Joint Stock Company was circulated, expressing concerns among crab suppliers and traders in the provinces. They were alarmed when they received a call from Warehouse 46, notifying them about the suspension of transportation for certain crab species to China.

A spokesperson from Warehouse 46 in Ho Chi Minh City stated that the company has had a longstanding business arrangement with the Chinese market, involving the transportation of crabs to the airport for export. This relationship has been in place for several decades and has consistently resulted in efficient and punctual transportation without any hindrances.

Mr. Nguyen Van Trung, the Deputy Director of the Fisheries Department of Ca Mau Province, has verified that the Department has instructed its units to communicate with crab suppliers and export companies for the Chinese market. The investigation has revealed that crab exports have been operating smoothly in recent days.

The authorities of Ca Mau Province have announced their intention to intensify surveillance of market dynamics in order to furnish precise information, therefore preventing the dissemination of misleading information that may have adverse effects on the production and consumption of Ca Mau crabs.

As per the Fisheries Department of Ca Mau Province, the trade of crabs has been regular in the past several days, with purchasing prices maintaining constant. More precisely, the cost of female crabs with roe varies from 450,000 to 500,000 VND per kilogram, whilst the price of male crabs falls within the range of 200,000 to 250,000 VND per kilogram. Nevertheless, in the afternoon of June 25, several regions exhibited sluggish crab procurement due to floods in the northern region and border areas, which have impeded shipment to China.

According to data from Vietnam Customs, the export value of crabs from Vietnam in March 2024 exceeded 18 million USD, representing a 66% growth compared to the corresponding time in the previous year. During the initial quarter of the year, the total export turnover amounted to over 52 million USD, reflecting a significant increase of 75% compared to the corresponding period.

Significantly, during this quarter, the export of crabs and other crustaceans to China and Hong Kong had a remarkable surge of 395% in comparison to the corresponding time in 2023. China and Hong Kong are now in the forefront of importing this product group from Vietnam, thanks to their impressive growth rate. 

Ca Mau possesses around 250,000 hectares of integrated shrimp-crab aquaculture area, with an estimated yearly production of approximately 25,000 tons. Ca Mau crabs are renowned both inside the country and abroad as one of the province's primary seafood exports.