Vietnam is the world’s leading exporter of catfish, accounting for 52% of global production and 90% of global catfish trade. In 2024, catfish exports were two billion USD, an increase of 9% compared to 2023.
In 2025, the Vietnamese catfish industry plans to maintain a production of about 1.65 million tons, a decrease of about 20,000 tons compared to 2024. Although the production has decreased, the export turnover target remains at two billion USD, equivalent to 2024.
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Pakistan is one of Vietnam’s important seafood export markets. The main export product of Vietnam to Pakistan is catfish, accounting for 98% of Vietnam’s total seafood exports to this market.
At its peak, seafood exports to Pakistan reached 28 million USD per year. However, due to fierce competition from other countries such as India and China, changes in import policies, and the impact of the Covid pandemic, the export of this item saw a significant decline from 2018 to 2023, hitting its bottom.
98% of Vietnam’s total seafood exports to Pakistan are catfish.
In 2024, there were signs of recovery, but it has not yet returned to strong growth levels. Vietnam’s seafood exports to Pakistan average about 19 million USD annually, accounting for nearly 1% of Vietnam’s total seafood exports to all markets.
Pakistan is one of the countries with the lowest per capita seafood consumption rates in the world. The average global consumption is 17 kg per person per year, while in this Islamic country, the figure is only 2 kg per person per year. The reason for the low seafood consumption rate in Pakistan is that in daily meals, Pakistanis mainly eat meat, especially chicken and lamb.
However, recently, dishes made from fish, especially catfish, are almost present in all restaurants, hotels, and banquets in Pakistan.
According to the VASEP, Vietnamese catfish products have succeeded in this market mainly due to their acceptable taste, easy preparation, guaranteed quality, and competitive prices. In addition, the aquaculture and seafood processing industry has not yet developed in Pakistan.
The fish production to meet the domestic consumption as well as the export needs of this country almost comes from natural catches. However, large-scale exploitation has also led to a decrease in the supply of natural seafood.
Therefore, to ensure the quantity and standard requirements for seafood items, such as the requirement for catfish fillets, to supply high-end restaurants and hotels, Pakistan has to import from other countries.
Currently, Pakistan does not have any special management policies for imported catfish apart from the requirement for a health certificate. There are no protective measures such as anti-dumping duties or other technical barriers. Therefore, this is a good opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to export this strong product to Pakistan.