Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien has called for urgent action in response to new US regulations on seafood imports under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), emphasizing that Vietnam must fully comply to maintain its export position.

“This is a new and highly time-sensitive issue. I’ve instructed relevant units to report detailed plans, resources, budgets, and implementation timelines within this week to meet the deadline set by the US side,” said Tien at a recent regular press briefing.

The US has issued 12 specific requirements for Vietnam under the MMPA. Vietnam has until January 2026 to submit evidence of compliance and corrective actions. “There is no alternative. Vietnam must strictly comply if we want to maintain market access,” stressed Tien.

Tien said he has directed the Directorate of Fisheries and the Department of Fisheries Surveillance, along with other units, to urgently review the 12 requirements to aim for full equivalency status.

He also requested support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries to consult international best practices and called for coordinated efforts from associations, businesses, and local governments.

At the end of August, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released the 2025 MMPA comparability assessment, evaluating over 2,500 fisheries from 135 exporting countries.

The results:

89 countries achieved full equivalency
34 received partial equivalency
12 failed to meet requirements

In Vietnam’s case, 11 fisheries were granted equivalency status, but 12 others were rejected. This means that starting January 1, 2026, seafood products from the non-compliant fisheries will no longer be eligible for export to the US.

Key affected species include tuna, grouper, cuttlefish, mackerel, and blue crabs, which are among Vietnam’s most important seafood exports.

According to the Directorate of Fisheries and the Department of Fisheries Surveillance, if exports from the 12 rejected fisheries are suspended, Vietnam could lose up to USD 200 million in seafood export revenue.

Tien Phong