According to a newly released report by the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), by the end of November 2025, the total export value of Vietnamese catfish has exceeded 2 billion USD. This is an increase of 9% compared to the same period in 2024.
In November alone, catfish exports reached 195 million USD, an increase of 9% compared to the same period last year. This figure shows the industry’s stable recovery trend in the final months of the year.
According to the VASEP, after a strong increase in October, the Chinese market continued to maintain stable growth in November. The export value of catfish to this market reached nearly 59 million USD, an increase of 17% compared to the same period in 2024. This is the largest contributing market for the month, continuing to lead in catfish export value.
Catfish exports in 11 months have surpassed 2 billion USD.
On the other hand, exports of catfish to the US in November reached only about 20 million USD, a decrease of 23% compared to the same period last year. The main reason is the impact of the 20% countervailing duty policy, which has reduced the competitiveness of Vietnamese catfish in this market. The downward trend started in August and shows no signs of reversing yet.
Similarly, exports of catfish to the EU in November reached about 12 million USD, a decrease of 25% compared to the same period last year. The decline was mainly driven by two large markets, including the Netherlands (down 18%) and Germany (down 20%). Nevertheless, some other EU markets still recorded slight growth, indicating the potential for intra-bloc expansion for Vietnamese catfish in the medium and long term.
Within the CPTPP market bloc, the UK market reached 5 million USD, a slight decrease of 4% compared to last year. Mexico remains a bright spot, with a strong increase in turnover to 8 million USD, equivalent to a 50% increase. Additionally, Japan and Malaysia maintain stable growth with a slight increase of 2%.
The export value to Brazil was 15 million USD in November, an increase of 13% compared to October. In the first 11 months of 2025, total export turnover to Thailand increased by 24%, Egypt by 33%, and Russia by 45% compared to the same period in 2024. pillow. In spite of high growth rates, the proportion of these markets in the structure is relatively small. Therefore, businesses need to push trade promotion activities and expand the product in high-potential markets.
Experts believe that the sharp decline in catfish exports to the US and EU has led to an increase in the proportion of exports to China to about 30% in the structure. Meanwhile, Brazil and many CPTPP markets are emerging with high growth rates.
Entering 2026, the US’s 20% countervailing duty is forecast to reduce the competitiveness of Vietnamese catfish. Vietnam. The VASEP recommends that businesses accelerate market expansion, diversify products, especially deep-processed ones, and meet international sustainability standards to enhance their brand and maintain their competitive advantage.