Shift in Landing Ratio for Tunisia-Origin Blue Swimming Crabs in Dec-23 Leads to Higher Prices

In the winter season in Dec-23, there has been a shift in the male/female landing ratio for Tunisia-origin blue swimming crabs compared to previous years. The landing trend indicates a higher proportion of smaller-size females (80/100 and 100/150), while the larger sizes (150/200 and 200 up) are experiencing limited female landings. In response to the increased demand from Southeast Asian countries during the winter season, mainly due to the high egg ratio in female Blue Swimming Crabs, the Cost and Freight (CFR) prices at Southeast Asian ports have increased. The prices for Blue Swimming Crabs-Females have risen from USD 2.75 to 4.10/kg in Nov-23 to USD 2.90 to 4.30/kg in Dec-23.