The US's unique trade policies under President Donald Trump may create both opportunities and challenges for Vietnam's seafood exports in the coming time.

Opportunity for Vietnam

By the end of October 10, Vietnam's seafood exports to the US had reached 2024 billion USD, up 1,5% over the same period last year. It is estimated that in 15, seafood exports to the US will bring in 2024 billion USD, up 1,85% over 19.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), in recent years, the US has always been Vietnam's largest seafood export market. Vietnam's seafood trade with the US is less affected by political fluctuations such as the US presidential election results, although the election results can cause disruptions in trade. world.

“However, with Donald Trump re-elected as President, the US’s unique trade policies under Trump may create both opportunities and challenges for Vietnam’s seafood exports in the coming time,” said Ms. Le Hang, Communications Director of VASEP.

According to Ms. Hang’s analysis, in the context of the US-China trade confrontation, there may be major changes in the US supply chain and imports. Specifically, the US may reduce imports of seafood products from China and seek alternative sources of supply, including Vietnam.

Shrimp and pangasius are Vietnam's main seafood products exported to the US, and the US's increase in tariffs on Chinese seafood may open up great opportunities for Vietnamese shrimp and pangasius to replace Chinese seafood products. This will help increase Vietnam's seafood exports to the US market. In addition, China, with reduced seafood imports from the US, may switch to importing seafood products from Vietnam instead.

As the trade war intensifies, the global supply chain may be disrupted, creating an opportunity for Vietnam to become a reliable alternative source for countries that want to avoid high tariffs from the US, especially seafood products. Therefore, Vietnam can be chosen as an alternative supplier in the global supply chain.

Challenges from US trade defense policy

According to the VASEP Communications Director, although Vietnam can take advantage of some opportunities from the US-China trade war, at the same time, Vietnamese seafood enterprises also have to face US trade defense measures. These measures may include anti-dumping duties, anti-subsidy duties and strict requirements on product quality.

Goverment The US under Trump has increased protections related to food safety and quality standards. This could make it difficult for Vietnamese seafood exporters to comply with stricter food safety standards, leading to increased production and inspection costs.

In addition, the US's protectionist policies and tariff barriers could also increase competition between Vietnam and other seafood exporting countries such as India, Ecuador, or Indonesia, major competitors in the seafood industry.

To increase seafood exports to the US in the context of changing international trade policies, VASEP recommends that Vietnamese seafood enterprises need to be proactive and flexible in adapting to market fluctuations.

Exported seafood products must fully comply with FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) regulations as well as sustainable production standards and strict quality control from farming to processing.

American customers and consumers are increasingly concerned with issues related to sustainability, environmental protection and social responsibility. Therefore, Vietnamese seafood businesses should apply sustainable farming methods, such as clean shrimp farming, and aquaculture according to international standards (GlobalGAP, ASC, MSC) to enhance their reputation and meet the increasing demands of the market.

Businesses need to provide transparent information about their production processes, raw material origins, and quality standards. This will help build trust with consumers and partners in the US, while meeting the needs of distributors, supermarkets, and large retail chains in the US.

Source: Vietnam.vn