The U.S, China, Japan and France were the four major markets accounting for 92% of the value.
China was the fastest growing market as exports surged 74% year-on-year to $37 million, followed by France (up 60%) and Japan (51%).
Exports to the U.S. grew 27%, though the country was Vietnam’s top market with a value of $38 million.
Crab prices have surged amid domestic shortage and rising demand from major markets in the U.S., China and Japan.
Hoang, a crab seller, said prices at-the-farm have risen 20% since last month to VND400,000-600,000 ($17-26) a kilogram but there was hardly enough for him to sell.
A VnExpress survey showed crab prices in HCMC have risen to the highest in the year-to-date at VND900,000 a kilogram.
VASEP expects crab exports to thrive in the second half this year thanks to rising demand driven by holidays like Christmas and Lunar New Year.