Fresh catfish trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in fresh catfish was worth $52.2 million in 2024, about 22.7 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 49% since 2017, and up 78% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $52.2M | 22.7K t |
| 2023 | $29.3M | 13.5K t |
| 2022 | $30.3M | 13.0K t |
| 2021 | $36.8M | 17.5K t |
| 2020 | $56.3M | 21.6K t |
| 2019 | $64.4M | 35.4K t |
| 2018 | $88.1M | 59.0K t |
| 2017 | $101.8M | 80.2K t |
Top fresh catfish exporting countries
Bangladesh is the largest exporter with 69% of world exports, followed by Indonesia and India. The top three supply 90% between them, out of 61 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | $35.9M | 69% |
| Indonesia | $7.3M | 14% |
| India | $3.6M | 6.9% |
| Netherlands | $1.2M | 2.3% |
| Thailand | $836K | 1.6% |
| Denmark | $532K | 1% |
| Italy | $369K | 0.7% |
| Spain | $301K | 0.6% |
| Vietnam | $298K | 0.6% |
| Cyprus | $153K | 0.3% |
| Iceland | $145K | 0.3% |
| China | $140K | 0.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
India is the biggest buyer with 69% of world imports, ahead of Malaysia and Nepal. Demand is concentrated: the top three take 88% across 72 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $35.9M | 69% |
| Malaysia | $7.3M | 14% |
| Nepal | $2.7M | 5.2% |
| Bhutan | $893K | 1.7% |
| Cambodia | $590K | 1.1% |
| Germany | $550K | 1.1% |
| France | $444K | 0.9% |
| Romania | $374K | 0.7% |
| Portugal | $368K | 0.7% |
| Singapore | $318K | 0.6% |
| Belgium | $293K | 0.6% |
| Lithuania | $273K | 0.5% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $2.29 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Denmark averaged $7.51 per kg and Thailand $0.60 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 0302.72: Fish: fresh or chilled, catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0302.91 to 0302.99. HS 0302 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most fresh catfish?
Bangladesh exported $35.9 million in 2024, 69% of the world total, followed by Indonesia (14%) and India (7%). In all, 61 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most fresh catfish?
India imported $35.9 million in 2024, 69% of world imports, ahead of Malaysia (14%) and Nepal (5%). The top three importers together take 88%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in fresh catfish?
It was worth $52.2 million in 2024, about 22.7 thousand tonnes. That is a fall of 49% since 2017. The peak year was 2017 at $101.8 million. 61 countries reported exports and 72 reported imports.
What is the average price of fresh catfish per kg?
The world average declared value was about $2.29 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Denmark averaged $7.51 per kg and Thailand $0.60 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for fresh catfish?
The HS code for fresh catfish is subheading 0302.72, in chapter 03 (fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 0302 page.
How can I find fresh catfish buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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