According to the VASEP, in October 2025, Vietnam’s catfish exports reached 217 million USD, an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Overall for the first 10 months of the year, export turnover has exceeded 8 billion, an increase of 9% compared to the same period last year. This growth rate shows signs of positive growth, although some markets continue the downtrend.
Exports to China & Hong Kong in October were 73 million USD, an increase of 19% compared to the same period last year. After a slowdown in September, this market has resumed its upward trend. There is a clear recovery in import demand from China, especially at the end of 2025.
Vietnamese catfish has held over 90% of the global export for two decades.
For the US, the turnover reached 29 million USD in October, a decrease of 17% compared to the same period. The Brazilian market reached USD 15 million, an increase of 1%. After a decrease in September, exports to Brazil increased. Meanwhile, the UK market, with a turnover of 4 million USD, experienced a sharp decline of 33% compared to the same period in 2024.
Within the CPTPP bloc, the export value of catfish in 10 months of 2025 reached 305 million USD, accounting for 17% of the total export value. Exports to Mexico, Japan, and Malaysia all increased by 1%, 14%, and 37%, respectively.
The total export turnover to the EU in 10 months was 149 million USD, a 3% increase against 2024. Traditional markets like the Netherlands and Germany continued their downward trend, while Spain saw positive growth of 22%. These figures reflect a clear difference in the consumption demand for catfish between EU member countries.
Vietnamese catfish exports in October recorded positive signals in some major markets.
In Q4/2025, exports to some major markets may continue to decline due to incomplete recovery of demand. The most important driver for the end of the year and into 2026 is the result of POR20 in the US, where businesses are subject to a 0% CBPG tax rate, thereby improving the confidence of American importers.
However, the 20% retaliatory tariffs still affect profit margins, making business to continue expanding its market.
The main direction in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 2026 will be to expand exports to the CPTPP bloc (Canada, Mexico, Malaysia, and the UK) and the Middle East, where Vietnam enjoys tariff preferences and has more favorable market access conditions. The EU is expected to maintain its growth thanks to flexible technical regulations for aquaculture products.