Crab meat prices drop in Japan as Russian imports flood market

Seafood being diverted to Asian markets after U.S. imposes ban

20231129N Japan crab

The wholesale price of crab in Japan has fallen by as much as half since last year. (Photo obtained by Nikkei)

SAKURAKO YOSHIOKA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The cost of crab meat has dropped dramatically in Japan, where it is considered to be a winter delicacy, due to a surge in Russian imports that have been shut out from other markets due to sanctions.

Imports account for the majority of the crab meat consumed in Japan. Russian-caught snow crabs now fetch about 2,000 yen ($14) per kilogram in the wholesale market, down 33% from 2022's average.

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