These remarks were made Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the conference, keeping in mind the EU is currently negotiating free trade agreements with Thailand.
Maintaining the current tariff system is a "must-have" for regulating access to the EU canned tuna market from third countries, specifically for Asian giants such as Thailand and Vietnam, Vieites said.
Both conditions are "essential" to maintain balance not only at a European level but in the global tuna market, Vieites said, adding that tuna is regarded as a "sensitive product" by the European Commission (EC) in such negotiations.
The statement read by Vieites also called on the EC to ensure "the same playing field in which the European industry can compete with third country industries, which should comply with similar standards as the EU in “food respect for the environment , in order to ensure a truly fair competition in the EU market.
"The EC should safeguard the future of the EU tuna industry and ensure their economic and social viability," Vieites said.
Galicia is home to Spain's tuna canning industry, and the Vigo conference drew representatives from 29 countries, all of whome, naturally, did not see eye to eye with the European stand.
At the end of this declaration, somebody in the audience asked Chanintr Chalisarapong -- vice-president of the Thai Food Processors Association and chairman of the Thai Tuna Group -- whether he saw double standards in the EU industry calling for strict regulations in importing canned tuna products, and not on importing tuna loins, as they are raw material for the European tuna industry, and whether there may be political motivations behind EJF's report on human rights abuse in the Thai fishing industry.
Chalisarapong answered the EJF report was based on a Thai police report, and unfortunately such practices had been going on for some years, but the Thai seafood industry was taking steps to protect its migrant workers, who are the “backbone” of the industry, and it is in the Thai seafood industry to protect its workers.
As to the calls for an even playing field, the Thai representative retorted that the field should indeed be fair, so Thailand should not be singled out when it comes to slapping import duties.
(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.
(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.
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