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.
(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
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