According to the Vietnam Customs, in May 2025, the export turnover of Vietnamese catfish reached 189 million USD, an increase of 12% compared to the same period last year. The export of catfish in the first five months of this year was 829 million USD, an increase of 11% compared to the same period in 2024.
Catfish HSO3 accounted for 97.4% of the total Vietnamese catfish exports to all markets, reaching 808 million USD, an increase of 10%. Frozen catfish fillets (0304) increased sharply by 11%, continuing to be the main export driver. Processed catfish HS06 only accounts for 2.6% but has grown strongly by 64%, showing the potential for value addition through deep processing.
China & Hong Kong witnessed negative growth in importing Vietnamese catfish in May 2025 and the first five months of 2025. However, they remain the leading market for catfish consumption. Exports to China and Hong Kong in mid-Q2 2025 reached 46 million USD, a decrease of 8% compared to May 2024. The total value of catfish exports to these markets in the first five months of this year reached 196 million USD, a decrease of 4% compared to the same period last year.
Vietnam’s catfish exports are on a recovery in 2025.
Catfish exports to the US in May 2025 were 41 million USD, an increase of 35% compared to May 2024. Total catfish exports to the US in the first five months of 2025 were 142 million USD, an increase of 7% compared to the same period in 2024.
After the US, Brazil continues to demonstrate strong consumption of Vietnamese catfish products, especially frozen catfish fillets. In May 2025, exports to this South American country were 16 million USD, doubling compared to May 2024. By the end of May 2025, catfish exports to Brazil reached 80 million USD, an increase of 73% compared to the same period last year.
The export of catfish to the EU also has 12% positive growth, with a value reaching nearly 16 million USD in May 2025. The Netherlands remains the largest importer of Vietnamese catfish products in the EU. In May 2025 alone, catfish exports to the Netherlands were 5 million USD, an increase of 26% compared to the same period last year.
In May 2025, Mexico surpassed Thailand and became the fourth-largest single market for Vietnamese catfish. The value of catfish exports to Mexico in May 2025 reached 7 million USD, an increase of 14% compared to May 2024. The export of catfish in the first five months of this year, supported by the CPTPP agreement, reached 28 million USD, an increase of 6% compared to the same period last year.
Overall, Vietnamese catfish exports in May and the first five months of this year have begun to see slight adjustments. Vietnam’s catfish exports are on a clear recovery in 2025, with expectations of double-digit growth. The US, Brazil, and CPTPP are the main destinations, while the EU is closely monitored for changes in policies and demand.
China, the largest market for Vietnamese catfish, is showing a slowing trend. However, summer is usually a high seafood consumption season, and there are expectations for improved demand in this market.
Recently, Vietnam’s catfish industry has received good news. The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced the official results of the anti-dumping duty (ADD) in the 20th administrative review (POR20) on frozen Vietnamese catfish fillets imported from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023.