Vietnam’s tuna exports posted solid growth in the first month of 2026, even as shipments to the country’s largest market, the United States, declined amid new regulatory hurdles.

According to data from Vietnam Customs, tuna export value in January 2026 reached more than USD 75 million, up 13% year-on-year. The result marks a positive start for the sector following a year of contraction. In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports totaled USD 924 million, down 7% from 2024.

The US remained Vietnam’s largest tuna market. However, exports to the country fell to USD 24 million in January, down 6% from the same period last year and accounting for roughly 32% of total tuna export value.

The decline is largely linked to changes in US import regulations. As of Jan. 1, 2026, requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) have taken full effect, meaning fishery products deemed “not comparable” are prohibited from entering the US market.

In addition, products that are not banned but share the same country of origin and HTS code as restricted products must submit a Certificate of Admissibility (COA) to demonstrate compliance with US import requirements. The rule has increased documentation and inspection procedures, potentially leading to additional costs and delays for shipments, particularly during the initial implementation phase.

At the same time, US import tariff policies are also evolving. In February 2026, international media reported that the US had entered a period of adjustment to its “reciprocal or additional tariff” mechanism following a US Supreme Court ruling, while temporarily applying tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 for a 150-day period.

Some sources have suggested the general tariff level could be raised depending on decisions by the executive branch. Final tariff rates applied to specific tuna product categories under HS codes, as well as those applicable to Vietnam, will depend on official announcements and product-level classifications.

While shipments to the US declined, exports to several other key markets recorded strong growth. Tuna exports to Japan surged 95% year-on-year in January. Shipments to Germany rose 39%, while exports to the Netherlands increased 15%.

Several smaller markets also saw sharp gains from a low base, including Egypt, up 129%, and Chile, up 133%.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the January figures suggest Vietnamese tuna exporters are increasingly diversifying their markets. This shift is reflected in rising shipments to multiple regions, including the EU, up 25%, CPTPP markets, up 53%, and the Middle East, up 35%.

VFM