HS Code:
Ictalurus spp. refers to a genus of freshwater catfish native to North America, commonly known as channel catfish, blue catfish, and others. Under the Harmonized System (HS) Code, this category typically falls under 0302.72 (fresh or chilled catfish) or 0303.25 (frozen catfish) for trade purposes. These species are widely cultivated and traded globally for food, with significant aquaculture production due to their adaptability and high demand in various cuisines. The trade of Ictalurus spp. includes live fish, fresh, chilled, and frozen products, as well as fillets and processed forms.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and FAO Fisheries Statistics
$650 million USD
54.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$300 million USD
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$50 million USD
4.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$30 million USD
2.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
6.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain EU countries on frozen catfish imports)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA for North American trade)
Rising demand for sustainable aquaculture products
Increased investment in eco-friendly farming practices for Ictalurus spp., boosting trade in certified sustainable products, especially in the EU and US markets.
2021-2022
Growth in processed catfish products
Higher exports of value-added products like breaded fillets and smoked catfish, particularly from Vietnam, catering to convenience food markets.
2020-2022
Fluctuations in feed costs
Rising costs of fish feed due to global supply chain disruptions have slightly reduced profit margins for exporters, impacting trade volumes in some regions.
2022
The US Department of Commerce announced a review of anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese catfish imports, potentially lowering rates for certain exporters following industry petitions.
June 2023
Could increase Vietnamese catfish exports to the US, intensifying competition with domestic producers.
The European Union introduced stricter sustainability certification requirements for imported aquaculture products, including Ictalurus spp., to ensure environmental compliance.
January 2023
May raise compliance costs for exporters but improve market access for certified producers.
Significant investments in US catfish aquaculture, particularly in the southern states, aim to meet domestic demand and reduce reliance on imports.
March 2023
Likely to stabilize or reduce import volumes from other countries in the short term.