As US is one among main catfish export markets of Vietnam. The move has been welcomed by catfish producers. The catfish inspection programme is part of US Farm Bill which took effect in March. Vietnamese fish farming is subjected to US inspection and it must meet the same standards as those applied on US farms. Vietnamese firms find this is a challenge.
"If the inspection programme is cancelled, it will be good news for Vietnamese businesses. It will be easier for us to export our products to the US", said Nguyen Phuoc Loc, Deputy Director of Southern Seafood Company.
The US is the biggest catfish importer from Vietnam, accounting for 20% of Vietnamese exports. The US Senate voted against the programme on the grounds it largely replicated other legislation.
"The US Department of Commerce recently announced it was willing to help Vietnamese catfish producers understand the regulations so it won’t affect our exports. I’m positive with US Senate decision and more Vietnamese companies will export catfish to the US in the future", said Ngo Quang Truong, Director of East Sea Seafood Company.
If the US House of Representatives adopts the decision, the US President will have to sign off on the decision. Removing some of the restrictions on Vietnamese catfish will help bolster trade.
