Vietnam’s cuttlefish exports surge, but dual threats from U.S. and EU loom large
Vietnam's cuttlefish exports doubled year-on-year to nearly USD 53 million in February 2025, lifting the two-month total to over USD 105 million, up 19% from last year. However, this progress is shadowed by mounting regulatory challenges from both the U.S. and EU, particularly the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Under the MMPA, seafood-exporting countries must prove their fishing methods are safe for marine mammals and align with U.S. standards. Alarmingly, U.S. officials recently concluded that Vietnam has not met these standards, putting its seafood exports at risk of being banned from January 1, 2026, unless corrective steps are taken swiftly.
On top of this, the EU’s ongoing crackdown on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to weigh heavily on Vietnam’s cuttlefish sector.
Vietnam Customs reports that cuttlefish products are shipped to more than 40 countries worldwide. South Korea, Japan, Thailand, China & Hong Kong, and the EU remain the top five importers. While exports to most of these key markets have grown compared to the previous year, shipments to China and Hong Kong have declined. Outside these major destinations, export performance remains generally subdued.
Facing tightening regulations on traceability, Vietnamese cuttlefish exports risk rejection if they fail to fully comply, a scenario that could deal a severe blow to export earnings.
Recognizing these risks, VASEP is urging government agencies to step up efforts to refine the legal framework, enhance oversight, and assist fishermen in meeting international compliance standards. These measures are essential to defending Vietnam’s export markets and ensuring the industry’s continued growth.
VFM
