The U.S. decision significantly impacts Vietnam’s key seafood exports to the United States – Illustrative image
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According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), on September 10, VASEP issued Official Letter No. 156 to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Advisory Council on Administrative Procedure Reform, and the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Resources Surveillance regarding the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). NOAA notified the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, denying the equivalency of 12 Vietnamese fishing methods under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
As a result, seafood harvested using these methods will be banned from import into the U.S. starting January 1, 2026. This measure is equivalent to an import ban, significantly affecting Vietnam’s key seafood exports to the U.S., including tuna, swordfish, grouper, mackerel, mullet, crab, squid, and sardines.
VASEP highlights that Vietnam’s seafood industry, alongside the government and local authorities, has made continuous and robust efforts to modernize, enhance responsibility, and strengthen fisheries management. These efforts include the National Assembly’s enactment of the 2017 Fisheries Law, increased resource allocation for local management, and sustained compliance with IUU, SIMP, and FIP programs for crab and tuna. Additionally, Vietnam has implemented the “Dolphin-Safe” certification for tuna export supply chains, along with other legal frameworks and programs to protect marine mammals.
VASEP recommends urgent and long-term coordinated measures from the government and relevant ministries to protect the interests of domestic fishing and aquaculture businesses. These measures aim to support the seafood industry in overcoming challenges, resolving issues, and regaining access to the U.S. market for harvested seafood products, minimizing the impact or avoiding the risk of export suspension from January 1, 2026.
In response, on September 15, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, urging the DOC and NOAA to reconsider their decision to prevent severe disruptions to bilateral trade and protect the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese fishermen and workers.
In his letter to Secretary Lutnick, Minister Dien also requested an objective review to ensure a fair outcome for Vietnamese shrimp exporters, who are reliable and fair business partners in the U.S. market, during the 19th administrative review of anti-dumping duties on shrimp imports from Vietnam.
Minister Dien emphasized that these decisions not only impact Vietnamese producers, exporters, farmers, and fishermen but also benefit U.S. importers, workers, and consumers.
The United States and Vietnam maintain a comprehensive strategic partnership built on trust and mutual benefit. Vietnam considers the U.S. a vital trade partner and provides the most favorable conditions for U.S. businesses and investors. Vietnam is committed to continued close cooperation with the U.S. to address outstanding issues constructively and future-oriented.
– 20:43 15/09/2025
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