Originally part of the 2008 Farm Bill, the measure has been a source of controversy that opponents — including many seafood importers — argue is unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer money.
Implementation of the measure has been delayed, much to the chagrin of U.S. catfish farmers who argue that the measure is essential for food safety and fair competition. They argue that their overseas competitors should be subject to the same scrutiny.
The senators — including John Kerry (D-Mass.), John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) — said the USDA program would “simply supplant the existing FDA [Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points] seafood regulatory scheme, an approach that is designed to take account of the differing food safety hazards that arise from aquaculture products such as catfish. By contrast, USDA has acknowledged that it possesses limited information and experience related to aquaculture and that the benefits of its new program are ‘uncertain.’”
The USDA program could be put in place as soon as 2013, and could cost about USD 30 million, according to the Government Accountability Office. The senators say funds better spent on other USDA programs would be “misapplied” to fund the catfish inspection program.
Vietnam’s pangasius industry would stand to lose an important market if the measure becomes policy. USDA regulations for products under its purview require an equivalent inspection program in the exporting nation, something Vietnam does not currently have. Essentially, the shift would cut them out of the U.S. market.
Last year, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) and the National Fisheries Institute of McLean, Va., both said the inspection process should remain with FDA, as every other seafood product currently is.
“We believe it is important for U.S. consumers to know that the seafood we produce in Vietnam is safe and nutritious,” VASEP said in a statement last February. “Pangasius, in particular, now meets or exceeds all mandatory requirements for export to world markets, including HACCP. In addition, our exporting companies comply with a range of stringent voluntary programs such as GlobalGAP, the British Retail Consortium, SQF 1000 and USDC. To suggest otherwise, as the U.S. catfish industry continues to do, does a disservice to U.S. consumers, retailers, restaurant operators, and importers — all who enjoy our high-quality, safe, versatile and affordable fish.”
The measure to shift inspection agencies has the backing of The Catfish Institute and numerous Southern legislators, including Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.). The Catfish Farmers of America (CFA) has aggressively campaigned against imported catfish and pangasius on the grounds that the products do not meet U.S. safety standards.
Last spring, CFA accused the U.S. government of “backpedaling” following the GAO report questioning the cost of transferring regulation authority to USDA.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Favorable weather conditions in the early months of 2026 have brought encouraging signs for fisheries activities in Quang Tri. Output has grown steadily, contributing to improved livelihoods for local residents.
Entering 2026, Vietnam’s seafood industry is facing a period of both high expectations and mounting pressures. Following the positive recovery in 2025, production and export activities in Q1/2026 demonstrated the strong adaptability of Vietnam’s seafood business community amid continued global trade volatility, intensifying international competition, and increasingly stringent compliance requirements in import markets.
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
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
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