In an opinion column published in today's Wall Street Journal, Zhenhu Bian, president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal Byproducts, spoke against a provision in the 2008 Farm Bill that mandates the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspect all imported catfish. Supporters say this change is necessary to ensure product safety.
The problem, according to lawmakers, industry groups, and a number of other critics, is that such inspections are supposed to be in the hands of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Critics are pushing to put things back the way they were, because the USDA is not trained or equipped to handle catfish inspections, and the shift has already cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
Other critics, including Bian, charge that the change was brought on by a special-interest group of domestic American catfish industry lobbyists, who are trying to erect an unofficial trade barrier to foreign imports.
“This provision has no basis in any scientific finding that catfish are a uniquely dangerous food or that the FDA was poorly regulating them,” he wrote. “Rather, a handful of lawmakers from catfish-producing states hoped to saddle foreign producers with hefty, and perhaps even prohibitive, compliance costs as we adjust to new safety regulations.”
Bian argued that the move is contrary to statements from U.S. officials that America is seeking more open markets with its trading partners.
“It is hard to see how America can do that when it will not lead the way by reducing its own barriers, or at least not putting new ones in place,” he wrote.
Bian noted that the change in U.S. regulation also clashes with the World Trade Organization (WTO), leaving the U.S. open to action by foreign trading partners.
Bian did not openly threaten the United States, but noted that right now, American products such as soy, corn, pork and beef are commonly exported to China.
“China and other countries welcome those foods,” he wrote. “But our openness should not be taken for granted. If Congress chooses to ignore the fact that 2008 farm bill violates WTO rules and does not repeal this provision, we reserve the right to ask our government to use all the tools available to it as a WTO member to challenge this unfair obstacle".
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The US remains Vietnam’s largest single market for shrimp imports, accounting for 20% of Vietnam's total shrimp exports globally. As of October 15th, 2024, Vietnamese shrimp exports to the US reached nearly 600 million dollas, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs, pangasius exports to Canada reached over 1 million USD in the first half of October 2024, a 33% decrease compared to the same period last year. However, by October 15, 2024, total pangasius exports to Canada had reached 32 million USD, reflecting a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Cà Mau is accelerating its digital transformation, developing green industries, and promoting high-tech processing of agricultural and aquatic products, with a focus on sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The Dong Thap Pangasius Festival 2024, themed 'Dong Thap Pangasius: Green Journey - Green Value', will take place on November 16-17 in Hong Ngu City.
The positive business momentum in the domestic seafood sector could last into the first half of 2025, according to experts.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three quarters of 2024, brackish water shrimp production exceeded 1.1 million tons, with export revenue reaching $2.8 billion. The seafood industry has set a target of $4 billion for shrimp exports for the entire year.
While the price of 1 kg of shrimp hovers around 20 USD, the value of 1 kg of chitosan—extracted from shrimp—can soar to 500 USD. This highlights a significant challenge within the seafood processing industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) By October, Vietnam's shrimp exports had generated nearly $3 billion, reflecting an increase of over 10% compared to the same period last year. Shrimp remains the leading commodity contributing to the export turnover of the entire seafood industry.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Sao Ta Foods Joint Stock Company (FIMEX VN - HoSE: FMC) concluded Q3/2024 with significant growth in revenue. Specifically, Sao Ta Food recorded revenue of VND 2,845 billion, a 58.6% increase year-on-year. The company's profit after tax reached VND 95 billion, up 6.2%.
VASEP's Seafood Export Report for the third quarter of 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam's seafood export performance in the first nine months, with impressive results reaching $7.2 billion—an increase of 9% over the same period last year. In the third quarter alone, seafood exports grew by 15%, totaling $2.8 billion. This growth is attributed to a recovery in demand and prices in key markets such as the U.S. and China, as well as the competitive advantage of value-added products in markets like Japan and Australia.
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