The New York Times referred to increased competition over the past 7 years from Vietnam and China. Catfish producers in the US have asked for more regulation to protect the domestic industry. The Wall Street Journal ran an article criticising the US for opting for protectionism. The Newspaper also commented that the decision was a harmful regulatory scheme that contradicts specific language in the recently signed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade accord.
The rule’s effective date of March 2016 begins an 18-month transitional implementation period for both domestic and international producers. Vietnamese agencies have been requested to employ measures to ensure stable catfish exports.
