February 2025 marked a record milestone for Vietnam’s tuna industry, with export turnover reaching its highest level in five years.
Yet, behind these impressive numbers lie a series of challenges that could affect the sector’s long-term growth.
1. Bright Outlook for Vietnam’s Tuna Sector
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According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnam’s tuna export value in February 2025 reached nearly USD 73 million, up 41% year-on-year — the highest February figure in the past five years.
Cumulatively, during the first two months of the year, tuna exports surpassed USD 139 million, representing a 6%increase compared with the same period in 2024.
In February 2025, Vietnam’s tuna export turnover hit the highest level in five years. (Illustrative image)
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) reported that fresh, frozen, and dried tunaproducts showed positive growth of 23%, while processed tuna, particularly canned items, fell by 9%.
Major importing markets such as the United States, European Union, Canada, and Japan all recorded notable increases in imports, while Italy, Israel, and Mexico experienced declines.
Nevertheless, overall momentum in the key markets has sparked optimism for the industry’s performance in 2025.
2. Barriers from Stringent Regulations in Key Markets
Despite these positive signs, Vietnam’s tuna industry continues to face significant obstacles from the strict import regulations imposed by leading markets — especially the U.S. and EU.
2.1. EU’s IUU Requirements
The biggest challenge remains the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which has led to the European Union’s persistent “yellow card” warning for Vietnamese seafood.
Vietnam’s Decree 37/2024/NĐ-CP, which mandates that skipjack tuna must measure at least 0.5 m in length to be legally caught, has further complicated raw-material sourcing for both fishermen and exporters.
As a result, production and exports of canned tuna products have slowed down significantly.
2.2. U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
Meanwhile, the United States has been tightening its import conditions through the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), requiring exporting countries to demonstrate that their fishing practices do not harm marine mammals and that their regulatory systems are equivalent to those of the U.S.
However, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Vietnam has not yet been recognized as having an equivalent system.
Without timely adjustments, several Vietnamese seafood species — including tuna — risk being banned from the U.S. market starting January 1, 2026.
In addition, the U.S. is preparing to expand the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP), demanding importers provide more detailed traceability information regarding catch origin and fishing methods.
These new rules are expected to increase compliance costs and administrative burdens for both exporters and importers.
3. Industry Impact and Strategic Responses
According to VASEP, tighter U.S. import standards — given America’s major share in Vietnam’s total tuna export revenue — could severely affect the entire supply chain.
This would not only reduce export volumes, but also undermine Vietnam’s reputation and competitiveness in the global seafood market.
To remain competitive in international trade, Vietnam’s tuna sector must take proactive and decisive actions.
VASEP emphasizes that government agencies play a crucial role in improving the legal framework, standardizing fishing operations to align with international norms, and enhancing on-site monitoring capacity.
Moreover, targeted support policies for fishermen and businesses are essential to help them adapt quickly to evolving market requirements.
4. Outlook: Sustainability Over Short-Term Records
The record export value in February 2025 is indeed encouraging — but it should be viewed as a stepping stone, not a finish line.
In an era of deeper global integration, quality, sustainability, and adaptability will define the future position of Vietnam’s tuna industry on the world stage.