Frozen catfish imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Arab Emirates imported $4.9 million of frozen catfish in 2024 (2.3 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 131 countries. Value rose 215% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 30% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.9M | 2.3K t |
| 2023 | $1.6M | 1.0K t |
| 2022 | $1.7M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $1.6M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $1.5M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $772K | 400 t |
| 2018 | $1.6M | 987 t |
| 2017 | $787K | 509 t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports frozen catfish from
One supplier dominates: Thailand accounted for 88% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+682% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | $4.4M | 88% |
| India | $368K | 7.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $182K | 3.7% |
| Myanmar | $30K | 0.6% |
| Malaysia | $10K | 0.2% |
| Pakistan | $2K | 0% |
| Egypt | $1K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.16 per kg, 27% above the world average of $1.70. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates frozen catfish imports (HS 0303.24): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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 0303.24: Fish: frozen, catfish (Pangasius spp., Silurus spp., Clarias spp., Ictalurus spp.), excluding fillets, fish meat of 0304, and edible fish offal of subheadings 0303.91 to 0303.99.
Common questions
What is the value of frozen catfish imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported frozen catfish worth $4.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 131 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was up 215% on 2023.
Which countries supply frozen catfish to the United Arab Emirates?
Thailand was the largest supplier with 88% of the value ($4.4 million), followed by India (7%) and Saudi Arabia (4%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 7 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 682% on the year.
What is the average import price of frozen catfish per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.16 per kg in 2024, 27% above the world average of $1.70 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of frozen catfish to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $787 thousand in 2017 to $4.9 million in 2024, an increase of 528%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for frozen catfish?
The HS code for frozen catfish is subheading 0303.24. It sits in HS chapter 03 (fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0303 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds the United Arab Emirates trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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