Vietnam’s seafood exporters’ association (VASEP) has asked ministries for support following a US decision that 12 of Vietnam’s fishing practices do not meet Marine Mammal Protection Act standards, which will restrict certain imports from 1 January 2026, Dan Tri has reported → view source.
Key details:
- Affected species: Tuna, swordfish, grouper, mackerel, and crab exports are subject to the ruling. The US is Vietnam’s largest tuna market, worth US$387 million in 2024.
- International comparison: 89 countries, including Thailand, India, Spain, and Japan, received full approval. Vietnam was listed with 34 partially recognised countries such as China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- VASEP’s response: The association has sent an urgent petition to ministries of Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, and Industry and Trade, recommending closer coordination, hiring US consultants, and upgrading technical standards.
- Industry impact: VASEP noted that seafood firms and fishermen will need support to adapt practices to meet US requirements.
This is a second setback for Vietnam’s seafood industry in its key US market, after tariffs of 20 to 40 percent were imposed on Vietnamese exports earlier this year.
For exporters, tariffs squeeze margins, while the new regulatory ruling risks cutting access altogether
Of note, Vietnam’s seafood exports to the US were worth about US$1.83 billion in 2024, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
See also: Vietnam Seafood Processing 2025: Exports, Key Players & Regional Production