Seafood exports to the US decline amidst MMPA impact

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), January seafood exports to the US totaled just over 96 million USD, a 9.9% decrease from the same period in 2025. This downturn was particularly pronounced in the tuna sector, driven by the stringent requirements of the US Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Simultaneously, the implementation of Circular 74/2025 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment regarding the issuance of Certificates of Admissibility (COAs) has faced several shortcomings. These issues have stalled the document verification process, significantly disrupting the export of tuna and other seafood products to the US since the beginning of the year.

VASEP reports that since early January, many Vietnamese enterprises exporting wild-caught seafood to the US market have faced considerable procedural difficulties. Reports from businesses indicate that several shipments have arrived at US ports but remain stuck, unable to clear customs because they lack the necessary COA. Domestically, many firms are temporarily hesitant to ship goods; despite submitting applications at the start of the year, COA approvals and issuance remain limited, throwing export schedules into disarray.

Reflections from businesses and practical implementation data suggest these challenges primarily stem from the initial phase of applying COA procedures under Circular 74/2025/TT-BNNMT. As a new regulation with broad scope and high technical requirements, the system for detailed guidance and unified interpretation across various implementation stages is still being finalized.

In several localities, the receipt and assessment of COA dossiers vary in application, particularly regarding technical data fields, foreign documents, and specific scenarios within the actual supply chain. Consequently, identical sets of documents may be subject to inconsistent processing or additional requirements, prolonging the time required to complete formalities. Furthermore, because the COA is a new document tied to strict traceability requirements for the US market, both enterprises and enforcement agencies require more time to familiarize themselves with and adjust internal processes. In the absence of centralized, uniform guidance on specific content, a cautious approach to processing is understandable, yet it has inadvertently placed significant short-term pressure on seafood export activities.

In response to this situation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued Official Dispatch 1042/BNNMT-TSKN on January 30 to strengthen the implementation of Circular 74/2025/TT-BNNMT. The dispatch notes that while COA issuance has commenced in some regions, the process remains inconsistent and non-uniform, with the volume of processed applications falling short of actual demand.

To provide exporters with the necessary documentation in a timely manner and prevent further disruptions, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has requested that Chairpersons of Provincial and Municipal People’s Committees direct functional units to prioritize several key actions. These include the immediate publication of administrative procedures and internal processing workflows at relevant agencies, with a completion deadline of February 5, 2026.

Localities are also instructed to accept applications in person or via public postal services until online public services are available. Authorities must strictly adhere to regulations on document components and formats, refrain from requesting unnecessary paperwork not mandated by law, and ensure sufficient personnel are assigned to resolve dossiers within the specified timeframe. Additionally, there is a continued call for the widespread dissemination of Circular 74/2025/TT-BNNMT to all organizations and individuals in the seafood sector, to maintain the momentum of implementation as previously directed by the Ministry.