Vietnam’s tuna industry at the “0% tariff gate” in the US: Opportunities ahead, but challenges remain

A key highlight of the Joint Statement was the identification of products listed in Annex 3 of Executive Order No. 14346 (dated September 5, 2025), which aims to “adjust potential tariffs for like-minded partners.” These products may qualify for a reciprocal tariff rate of 0%.

Among the items possibly subject to tariff adjustments are fresh/chilled albacore tuna (HS03023100), frozen tuna loins/fillets (HS03048700), and processed tuna and skipjack, not in airtight containers, not in oil, in loose form or direct containers exceeding 6.8 kg (HS16041440).

If these tuna products are indeed granted tariff exemption, it would provide a major boost to the competitiveness of Vietnamese tuna in the US—one of the world’s largest tuna-consuming markets. In recent years, the U.S. has consistently been Vietnam’s top tuna import market, though export prices have been constrained by high logistics costs and import duties. Reducing tariffs to 0% could make Vietnamese products more competitive against suppliers from Ecuador, Thailand, and the Philippines, especially in the high-quality frozen loin/fillet segment and products for the US food service and retail chains.

However, this opportunity will not come easily. The detailed list of tariff-eligible items has not yet been officially announced by the US government. Additional conditions—such as rules of origin, traceability, and sustainability standards—may pose significant challenges for many Vietnamese exporters. In recent years, the Vietnamese tuna industry has faced increasingly strict US and international requirements related to IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing, marine mammal protection (MMPA), supply chain transparency, and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. Without meeting these criteria, Vietnamese exporters may find it difficult to take advantage of tariff preferences, even if their products are listed as eligible.

Moreover, trade relations between the two countries remain sensitive, as the US has applied a 20% reciprocal tariff on various Vietnamese products this year. The 0% tariff policy is likely to be selective, prioritizing items that demonstrate “fair reciprocity” and full traceability of origin.

In this context, many Vietnamese tuna exporters are shifting strongly toward value-added products such as loins, fillets, and large-scale processed tuna. This strategy not only helps improve profit margins but also aligns with the US market’s growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products.

It is forecast that within the next 6–18 months, if the 0% tariff policy is implemented for the mentioned HS codes, Vietnam’s tuna exports to the US could regain growth momentum after a slowdown in 2024–2025. At the same time, investments in traceability systems, standardized processing procedures, and national branding for Vietnamese tuna will determine how effectively Vietnam can capitalize on this tariff opening.

The opportunity is great—but it will not automatically translate into gains. Without standardized supply chains, transparent sourcing, and strict IUU compliance, the 0% tariff will remain merely an opportunity on paper.

Vietnam’s tuna industry stands at a new crossroads—where tariff advantages alone are no longer enough. Instead, adaptability, transparency, and sustainable value will define its competitiveness in the US market in the years ahead.