Why Source Frozen Crab from Thailand?
Thailand is one of Asia's top frozen crab exporters, combining access to diverse native crab species with world-class IQF processing infrastructure. The country's Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea fisheries supply five commercially significant crab species to international buyers in Japan, South Korea, USA, EU, Australia, and the Middle East. Thai frozen crab exports represent approximately $180 million annually, with mud crab, blue swimmer crab, and swimming crab leading by volume.
Hanuman Seafood exports BRC-certified frozen crab in IQF and block-frozen formats from our Samut Sakhon facility. MOQ is one 20ft reefer container (typically 6–10 MT depending on species and form). FOB Laem Chabang pricing from $4.80/kg for blue swimmer crab to $18.50/kg for premium mud crab clusters.
5 Commercially Exported Crab Species from Thailand
| Species | Local Name | Scientific Name | Form Available | FOB Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mud Crab (Giant Mud Crab) | Pu Thalay | Scylla serrata | Whole IQF, Clusters, Sections, Half-cut | $12.00–$18.50/kg |
| Blue Swimmer Crab | Pu Ma | Portunus pelagicus | Whole IQF, Clusters, Meat | $4.80–$7.50/kg |
| Flower Crab (Swimming Crab) | Pu Kaab | Portunus sanguinolentus | Whole IQF, Clusters | $5.50–$8.00/kg |
| Horse Crab (Horseshoe Crab) | Maeng Da | Tachypleus gigas | Whole IQF | $3.50–$5.00/kg |
| Snow Crab (imported, processed in Thailand) | N/A | Chionoecetes opilio | Clusters, Legs, Meat | $14.00–$22.00/kg |
Processing Forms and Specifications
IQF Whole Crab
Individual Quick Frozen whole crabs are graded by weight (e.g., 100–200g, 200–300g, 300–500g for blue swimmer crab; 300–500g, 500–800g, 800g+ for mud crab). IQF freezing maintains individual crab quality and allows portion control. Packed in 1 kg retail bags or 10 kg bulk master cartons. Core temperature: -18°C or below at point of shipment.
Crab Clusters (Sections)
Half or quarter sections of larger crabs (mud crab, snow crab), IQF frozen with shell on. Popular for food service and retail in the USA, Japan, and EU. Typical weight range: 150–400g per cluster. Packed in 1 kg retail vacuum bags or 5–10 kg bulk cartons.
Block-Frozen Crab
Multiple crabs frozen together in a water block. Lower cost than IQF; preferred for industrial users (crab paste factories, surimi processors). Available in 2 kg and 10 kg blocks.
Crab Meat (Picked Meat)
Hand-picked pasteurized crab meat: lump (whole body muscle), backfin (small body pieces), claw meat, and special meat (combination). Packed in 454g (1 lb) metal cans or 1 kg retail packs. Requires HACCP-certified processing with temperature control throughout. FOB $18–$35/kg depending on grade and species.
Quality Standards and Certifications
- BRC (British Retail Consortium) Grade A — required by UK, EU, and major retail chains
- HACCP — mandatory for FDA-registered facilities exporting to USA
- BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) — for responsibly sourced species
- EU Health Certificate — required for all seafood exported to EU member states
- FDA Registration — required for USA-bound shipments (facility registration + FSVP)
- Halal Certification — available on request for Muslim-majority market buyers
Seasonal Availability and Supply Planning
Blue swimmer crab and flower crab have year-round availability in Thailand, with peak season from November to March (cooler Gulf waters increase crab activity and fat content). Mud crab availability peaks during the Thai rainy season (May–October) when mangrove and estuary environments are most productive. Snow crab (imported from Russia/Canada and processed in Thailand) is available year-round with stable pricing. For buyers requiring consistent year-round supply, we recommend placing annual purchase agreements that guarantee allocation during peak export periods (when spot pricing rises 15–25%).
Pricing Guide 2026
| Product | Grade/Size | FOB Laem Chabang | Packing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Swimmer Crab IQF Whole | 200–300g | $5.80–$6.50/kg | 10 kg bulk carton |
| Blue Swimmer Crab IQF Whole | 300–500g | $6.50–$7.50/kg | 10 kg bulk carton |
| Mud Crab IQF Whole | 300–500g | $13.00–$15.00/kg | 10 kg bulk carton |
| Mud Crab IQF Whole | 500–800g | $15.00–$18.50/kg | 10 kg bulk carton |
| Mud Crab Clusters (half) | 200–400g | $12.00–$14.00/kg | 5 kg carton |
| Blue Swimmer Crab Meat (lump) | — | $22.00–$28.00/kg | 454g cans |
| Snow Crab Clusters | 150–350g | $16.00–$19.00/kg | 1 kg vacuum bags |
Documentation for Import
Hanuman Seafood provides complete export documentation: Commercial Invoice & Packing List, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, Certificate of Origin (Form D/ASEAN or General), Health Certificate (Thailand Department of Fisheries), BRC certificate copy, COA (Certificate of Analysis) including microbiological and heavy metal test results, and Country-specific import compliance certificates (EU Health Certificate, FDA registration confirmation, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions: Frozen Crab from Thailand
Q: What is the minimum order for frozen crab from Thailand?
A: Standard MOQ is one 20ft reefer container, which holds 6–10 MT of crab depending on species and packaging form. IQF products in retail packs pack more efficiently than bulk cartons. We also accept LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments from 500 kg for trial orders, at a premium of approximately 15–20% over FCL pricing.
Q: How long does frozen crab last?
A: Properly IQF-frozen crab maintained at -18°C or below has a shelf life of 18–24 months from production date. Each carton is labeled with production date and best-before date. Cold chain integrity must be maintained throughout transport — use reefer containers (set to -18°C) and ensure unbroken cold chain from port to final storage.
Q: What certifications do I need to import Thai frozen crab to the EU?
A: EU importers need a Health Certificate issued by the Thai Department of Fisheries (DoF) certifying the product meets EU food safety requirements under Regulation (EC) 854/2004. The processing facility must be on the EU-approved list of third-country establishments. Hanuman Seafood is EU-listed. Upon arrival, a border inspection post (BIP) will conduct documentary and identity checks, and periodic physical inspection. Importers should also ensure TRACES pre-notification is filed 24 hours before arrival.
Request a Quote
Contact our export team with your target species, form (whole/clusters/meat), weight grades, destination port, and required volume. We respond with a Proforma Invoice within 24 business hours. Get a frozen crab quote →
