At the recent meeting between NOAA head Jane Lubchenco and Maria Daminaki, the European commissioner for fisheries, the US raised the issue of pollock tariffs, that would fall on both Alaska pollock blocks and surimi.
Current regulations call for a tariff of 13.7% on pollock blocks, and 14.2% on surimi. For many years those tariffs have been suspended if the block or surimi products are used for subsequent manufacturing of additional value added product.
It is unclear where the push is coming from to do away with the exemption, putting the tariffs into force. It could be a bureaucratic issue within the EU Commission, or as some have suggested harvester groups could be behind the change. But no European harvesters land fish that compete directly with Alaska pollock.
Such an outcome would have a severe impact on major seafood manufacturers in Europe, at a time when they are already struggling with higher import prices and declining demand. French demand for pollock products is expected to be flat. In the UK, Tesco reported today a 1.4% drop in sales, and a 4% drop on the continent, and is struggling to lower pricing.
Since the beginning of the year, the euro has declined around 4% against the dollar, and further declines are likely.
In this environment, manufacturers are in no condition to absorb a 13% to 14% tariff.
According to a US pollock industry source, "we are aware that as part of the EU Common Fisheries Policy review that drafts are being floated that could propose higher effective tariff rates. No specific policy proposal has been released by the EU though, so we dont know how serious this issue might be."
"Our primary interest is in Alaska pollock, Pacific whiting or surimi-based products. We are not aware of anyone who might benefit increasing effective tariff rates on those products. First and foremost, the products we export to Europe dont compete with any products made from fish harvested by EU fleets. Second, higher tariff rates would hurt European value-added processors and their workers as pollock products undergo a substantial amount of further processing within Europe. Finally, increased tariff rates would raise costs for European consumers."
The US industry and government is gearing up to fight this economically dangerous move. However, under current WTO agreements, the EU has the right to adjust pollock tariffs, so there is not a legal issue. Instead, the argument will be an economic one: why hurt seafood manufacturing at a time when they need to create as many jobs as possible.
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(seafood.vasep.com.vn) An Giang is focusing on expanding climate-adaptive marine aquaculture models, aiming for safe and sustainable production. This approach not only enhances economic efficiency but also helps fishermen stabilize their livelihoods amid weather fluctuations.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export value to China (including Mainland China and Hong Kong) reached $483 million, up 1% compared to the same period in 2024. October alone posted $73 million, a strong 19% increase year-on-year. The Chinese market currently accounts for nearly 27% of Vietnam’s total pangasius export value.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam Customs, the country’s lobster exports posted another strong month in October 2025, reaching $93 million - a 75% increase from the same month in 2024. This performance extends the sector’s impressive growth streak from earlier in the year, pushing cumulative exports for the first 10 months to $712 million, up an extraordinary 135% year-over-year. Within the product mix, green lobster remained the dominant driver, accounting for 98% of total export value, with $700 million recorded in the first 10 months - a 141% jump year-on-year. In contrast, exports of spiny lobster and other lobster varieties declined slightly by 22% and 1%, respectively, indicating that market demand is becoming increasingly concentrated on the most sought-after product line.
(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.
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