According to VASEP, the limit is unfair to Vietnam shrimp. MRL for Ethoxyquin in EU and the U.S. is 150 ppm and Japan is also 150 ppm applied with fishmeal. Other shrimp suppliers to Japan such as Thailand or India must not undergo Ethoxyquin testing. The Ethoxyquin testing creates more burdens on both Vietnam exporters and Japanese importers.
During June 18th – 23rd 2012, a delegation led by Mr. Nguyen Nhu Tiep – Director of National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department (NAFIQAD) had a visit to Japan to work with with competent Japanese agencies on Ethoxyquin. The trip focused on seeking a solution for barriers of food safety imposed by Japan on Vietnam shrimp exported to the country.
The Vietnam side requested Japanese agencies to adjust regulations on MRLs for Ethoxyquin residues on seafood products on the basis of evaluation on risks related to food safety and drew out a roadmap for Vietnam shrimp sector to solve problems related to Ethoxyquin.
While awaiting the conclusion from Japan, Vietnam enterprises continued to strengthen control of Ethoxyquin in shrimp consignments exported to Japan to comply with Japan’s restriction. In June 13th 2012, MARD asked Directorate of Fisheries (D-Fish) to review and make a list of aquatic feed containing Ethoxyquin (both domestic and imported products) as well as propose and submit MRLs for Ethoxyquin residues in aquatic feed. D-Fish must plan measures of controlling Ethoxyquin’s usage in aquatic feed production and recommend shrimp farms to stop using aquatic feed containing Ethoxyquin.
MARD directed NAFIQAD to popularize and guide seafood processors to control Ethoxyquin to meet importing market’s regulations. In June 15th 2012, D-Fish issued documents to direct Sub-Departments of Aquaculture to notify Japan’s alerts to local aquatic feed producers. D-Fish asked feed producers to commit not to use Ethoxyquin in aquatic feed producing. Sub-Departments of
Aquaculture must inspect local feed producers and report D-Fish feed products containing Ethoxyquin to remove them from list of feed products legally used. Sub-Departments of Aquaculture also guide farmers to stop feeding shrimp one day before harvesting in order to reduce the residue in shrimp.
Japan’s Ethoxyquin test will negatively affect to Vietnam shrimp exports and increase enterprises’ producing costs, even Japanese shrimp importers have to spend a lot of time and money for the Ethoxyquin testing in their country. Vietnam shrimp is losing its competitiveness in Japan market.
In 2012, shrimp exports is expected to reach US$2.5 billion USD. In the first 5 months this year, shrimp exports touched US$798.07 million, up 4.9 percent from that of the same period of 2011. Shrimp exports has reported a slow and sluggish growth.
In the wake of financial crisis in the U.S., EU, Japan has been becoming the largest importer of Vietnam shrimp. Japan’s regulation on Ethoxyquin residue on Vietnam shrimp makes Vietnam shrimp exporters confused because they find it hard to control MRL for Ethoxyquin residue in shrimp. Vietnam exporters are waiting for the result of the business trip of MARD representative and they hope that MRL for Ethoxyquin residue in Vietnam shrimp exported to Japan will be raised from 0.01 ppm (10 ppb) up to 100 ppb.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Currently, Da Nang City has no fishing vessels detained, sanctioned by foreign authorities, or criminally prosecuted for IUU fishing violations. Patrols, monitoring of marine fishing activities, and handling of violations have been prioritized by competent forces, significantly reducing nearshore fishing infringements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to statistics from Vietnam Customs, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Israel in the first nine months of 2025 reached just over USD 27 million, down as much as 49% compared to the same period in 2024. This is a steep and prolonged decline for many consecutive months, reflecting changes in import demand as well as shifts in the supply structure of this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The first 700 tons of Vietnamese tilapia ordered and imported by JBS Group will initially be distributed through supermarket chains, the Horeca network and JBS’s product showrooms in Brazil.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In October 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $217 million, representing an 8% increase compared to the same month in 2024. For the first 10 months of the year, total export value has surpassed $1.8 billion, up 9% year-on-year. This growth demonstrates clear positive momentum for the pangasius industry, despite continued declines in certain markets.
In recent days, the Central provinces of Vietnam have been suffering from historic flooding, with prolonged heavy rains, landslides, flash floods, and deep inundation causing extremely serious impacts on tens of thousands of households, as well as many VASEP member exporters located in the region. With the spirit of mutual support and solidarity, and in order to promptly assist residents and member exporters in the affected areas to stabilize their lives and restore production activities, VASEP calls on all seafood exporters, organizations, and individuals to extend supports to the people and member exporters in the flood-hit areas. We urge timely and practical material and spiritual contributions to help member exporters and local communities in the severely affected provinces overcome this difficult period.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final days of October 2025, Vietnam’s domestic raw shrimp market remained generally stable, though slight adjustments were recorded in several sizes across key farming regions.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached USD 498 million in October 2025, up 26% from the same period last year. This is one of the highest monthly revenues since the beginning of the year, reflecting solid demand in major markets and faster shipment schedules by exporters. From January to October, shrimp export value reached USD 3.9 billion, up 22% compared to the same period in 2024.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On October 31, 2025, the US Court of International Trade (CIT) officially issued an order to suspend the case filed by the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), the National Restaurant Association (NRA), and several US seafood companies against the US Government concerning the implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang’s fisheries sector has maintained stable growth momentum during the first nine months of 2025, making an important contribution to the province’s socio-economic development. Despite facing numerous challenges, the province is implementing various measures to enhance production efficiency, expand markets, and promote sustainable fisheries development toward deeper integration into the global economy.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius export value in September 2025 reached USD 181 million, up 5% compared to the same period in 2024. The overall trend for the pangasius industry remains positive, with total exports in the first nine months of 2025 reaching nearly USD 1.6 billion, an increase of 9% year-on-year.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
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