Vietnam Crustaceans HS0306 Export Data 2025 February Overview

Vietnam Crustaceans (HS 0306) 2025 February Export: Key Takeaways

Vietnam’s Crustaceans (HS Code 0306) exports in February 2025 reveal a premium-focused strategy, with Vietnam dominating 36.57% of export value but just 9.80% of volume, signaling high-grade product positioning. The market splits into three buyer clusters—Japan and China Taiwan for bulk, China and South Korea for standard demand, and the US-led group for premium segments. This analysis, covering February 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Vietnam Crustaceans (HS 0306) 2025 February Export Background

Vietnam's Crustaceans (HS Code 0306), covering fresh, chilled, frozen, or cooked shellfish, are vital for global food and aquaculture industries due to stable demand for seafood. In 2025, Vietnam streamlined customs procedures under Decrees 167/2025 and 182/2025, easing export processes like on-the-spot declarations and VAT clarity for zero-rated shipments [Vietnam Briefing]. As a top exporter, Vietnam’s February 2025 policies reinforce its role in meeting international demand while ensuring compliance amid tighter inspections and tariff challenges.

Vietnam Crustaceans (HS 0306) 2025 February Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Vietnam Crustaceans HS Code 0306 Export 2025 February showed a sharp 25.7% month-over-month decline in export value, falling from $239.34 million in January to $177.90 million.

Price and Volume Dynamics

This contraction aligns with typical post-holiday slowdowns after Lunar New Year (Tet), when processing and shipping activity traditionally dip. While volume data is unavailable, the value drop suggests reduced transaction volumes or possible price pressure, consistent with seasonal inventory cycles in seafood exports following peak demand periods.

External Context and Outlook

Ongoing U.S. trade friction adds headwinds, as [Vietnam Briefing] confirms tightened customs inspections and the U.S. suspension of certain Vietnamese seafood equivalencies (YouTube). Although recent Vietnamese customs reforms aim to streamline procedures (Vietnam Briefing), near-term export recovery may be tempered by these external trade constraints.

Vietnam Crustaceans (HS 0306) 2025 February Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In February 2025, Vietnam's Crustaceans export under HS Code 0306 is dominated by high-value live rock lobsters, specifically the sub-code for live, fresh, or chilled rock lobsters and sea crawfish. This product accounts for nearly 34% of the total export value, with an estimated unit price of around 32 USD per kilogram, indicating a premium specialization. An extreme price anomaly is present in frozen shrimps and prawns with a very low unit price of approximately 0.74 USD per kilogram, which is isolated from the main analysis due to its bulk nature and high quantity share.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous sub-codes reveal a bifurcated market structure. First, premium products like live rock lobsters, frozen crabs, and frozen rock lobsters form a high-value category with unit prices ranging from 14 to 32 USD per kilogram, suggesting differentiated goods tied to quality and species. Second, standard frozen shrimps and prawns, along with live crabs, constitute a medium-value group with unit prices between 1.5 and 9 USD per kilogram, indicating more fungible bulk commodities. This structure shows that Vietnam's export mix includes both specialty items and standardized processed goods.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Exporters of Vietnam Crustaceans under HS Code 0306 should focus on premium segments for higher pricing power and margins, while bulk shippers must compete on cost efficiency. Strategic emphasis on compliance with updated customs procedures, as highlighted in Vietnam Briefing, is crucial to navigate regulatory changes and maintain market access in 2025.

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Vietnam Crustaceans (HS 0306) 2025 February Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In February 2025, Vietnam leads the export of Crustaceans under HS Code 0306, accounting for 36.57% of the total export value but only 9.80% of the quantity, indicating a focus on higher-unit-price products, likely premium or processed crustaceans. This disparity suggests Vietnam is exporting higher-grade goods rather than bulk commodities.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers form three clusters: Japan and China Taiwan import large volumes at lower unit prices, possibly for processing or mass consumption; China Mainland and South Korea show moderate volume and value, indicating standard market demand; the United States, Australia, China Hongkong, the United Kingdom, and Singapore have lower volumes but higher unit prices, targeting premium segments like high-end retail or restaurants.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Vietnam Crustaceans HS Code 0306 Export 2025 February, focus on maintaining quality for premium markets while optimizing bulk shipments to cost-sensitive buyers. Monitor tariff changes, as US reciprocal tariffs [Vietnam Briefing] could impact exports, and leverage simplified customs procedures (Vietnam Briefing) to reduce costs and delays.

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Vietnam Crustaceans (HS 0306) 2025 February Export: Buyer Cluster

Buyer Market Concentration and Dominance

In February 2025, the Vietnam Crustaceans Export market under HS Code 0306 shows strong concentration, with one of the four segments of buyers dominating trade. Buyers who place high-value and frequent orders drive the market, accounting for 76.51% of the total export value. This segment also handles 89.17% of the quantity and 57.00% of the transaction frequency, indicating a market where large, regular purchases are the norm. The overall market is characterized by high volume and frequent exchanges, centered on bulk commodity trading.

Strategic Buyer Clusters and Trade Role

The other buyer segments play supporting roles. Buyers with high-value but infrequent orders contribute 15.56% of value, likely representing bulk purchasers for seasonal or contract-based needs. Buyers with low-value but frequent orders make up 2.23% of value, possibly smaller entities like local retailers requiring regular, small shipments. Buyers with both low-value and infrequent orders account for 5.71% of value, which may include new market entrants or niche buyers testing the waters.

Sales Strategy and Vulnerability

For Vietnamese exporters, the strategy should prioritize serving the dominant high-value, frequent buyers to maintain revenue stability. However, over-reliance on this segment poses a risk if demand shifts, so exploring growth in other clusters could reduce vulnerability. The sales model must focus on efficient, high-volume logistics. Recent customs reforms in Vietnam, as highlighted in [vietnam-briefing.com], simplify export procedures, supporting faster handling of large shipments and reducing operational barriers.

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Vietnam Crustaceans (HS 0306) 2025 February Export: Action Plan for Crustaceans Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Vietnam Crustaceans Export 2025 February under HS Code 0306 operates a dual-track model. Price is driven by product grade: premium live/frozen lobsters and crabs command high prices (14–32 USD/kg), while bulk frozen shrimp/prawns trade at lower rates. This reflects a market split between quality-focused buyers and volume-driven purchasers. Supply chains must therefore support both high-value air freight for fresh goods and cost-efficient sea logistics for bulk commodities. Geopolitical factors, like potential US tariffs, add risk, but simplified Vietnamese customs procedures offer a competitive advantage in processing and shipping speed.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Crustaceans Market Execution

• Segment buyers by order value and frequency using trade data to tailor sales strategies, ensuring stable revenue from high-volume clients while developing niche markets.
• Prioritize air logistics for high-value live products like rock lobsters to maintain freshness and premium pricing, reducing spoilage and protecting margins.
• Negotiate long-term contracts with frequent bulk buyers to secure volume commitments, locking in stable demand and optimizing production planning.
• Monitor real-time customs regulation updates, especially for key markets like the US and China, to avoid delays and capitalize on streamlined export procedures.
• Diversify export destinations using geographic trade data to reduce reliance on any single market, mitigating risks from tariffs or demand shifts.

Take Action Now —— Explore Vietnam Crustaceans Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Vietnam Crustaceans Export 2025 February?

The 25.7% month-over-month decline in export value is primarily due to post-Lunar New Year slowdowns and tightened U.S. trade restrictions, which have dampened demand and customs processing efficiency.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Vietnam Crustaceans Export 2025 February?

Vietnam’s top markets include Japan, China Taiwan, and China Mainland, with Japan and China Taiwan importing large volumes at lower unit prices, while the U.S. and Australia target premium segments.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Vietnam Crustaceans Export 2025 February partner countries?

The price gap stems from Vietnam’s bifurcated export mix: premium live rock lobsters (32 USD/kg) dominate high-value markets, while bulk frozen shrimps (0.74 USD/kg) cater to cost-sensitive buyers.

Q4. What should exporters in Vietnam focus on in the current Crustaceans export market?

Exporters should prioritize high-value buyers (76.51% of trade value) for stability while diversifying into niche segments to mitigate over-reliance on bulk orders.

Q5. What does this Vietnam Crustaceans export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Buyers in premium markets (e.g., U.S., Australia) benefit from consistent high-quality supply, while bulk importers (e.g., Japan) gain cost advantages but face seasonal volatility.

Q6. How is Crustaceans typically used in this trade flow?

Premium products like live rock lobsters serve high-end retail and restaurants, while frozen shrimps and prawns are bulk commodities for mass consumption or further processing.

Q7. What is yTrade?

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