Fishery sector: Vietnam adapts to geopolitical constraints

Tightening control by the United States

In recent weeks, companies in the fishing sector are facing new constraints that increase the risks of exporting their products: they are subject to more rules regarding quality control, traceability, and adaptability to international transport fluctuations.

Regulatory authorities in the United States have tightened control over imported fishery resources and are demanding new guarantees on the quality, traceability, and compliance with environmental standards of products. Exporter and producer associations of seafood products explain that many warnings are being applied and that vessels are being held at the dock through a detention mechanism without physical inspection.

Being put on the “import alerts” list means that shipments can be detained until companies provide evidence of the compliance of their products with Food and Drug Administration standards. This new measure therefore underpins an increase in storage costs, potential delivery delays, and a degraded commercial image.

Exporters are advised to review their production chain management process, control antibiotic residues in products, and comply with HACCP standards to ensure product traceability.

A logistic chain impacted by the geopolitical context

The Vietnamese fishing market is also affected by the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, a key market in the country’s exports. Indeed, fishery exports to the Middle East have increased from $197.7 million in 2020 to over $401 million in 2025, mainly involving the export of pangasius (a popular Mekong fish), shrimp, tuna, and mollusks.

Industry companies warn that the transport of refrigerated containers could increase by $2000 to $4000 per container, in addition to surcharges related to the risks of war and oil prices, which could raise logistical costs.

These obstacles could pose real challenges for pangasius exporters, for whom the Middle East is a crucial market. Tuna exporters are also affected due to the costs associated with their fishing. Nevertheless, the market hopes that the demand for canned tuna will increase and partially offset the cost increase due to the geopolitical context, where many prefer long-lasting food.