System of trade barriers Japanese market for fishery products - Measures response of Vietnam

Abstract

Vietnam and Japan are participating in three free trade agreements: the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEP), the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA), and the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA). Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is also an opportunity for Vietnamese seafood exporters to take advantage of boosting exports to the Japanese market when exported seafood products of Vietnam enjoys a 0% tax rate. However, in order to enjoy these incentives, Vietnam's seafood industry has to face challenges to overcome non-tariff barriers (NTBs) of Japan, such as standards on residues of veterinary drugs, drugs plant protection, antibiotics, infection levels, and packaging label. This article analyses the current situation of some technical barriers in seafood trade in general and Vietnamese seafood in particular when accessing this market. On that basis, some solutions are proposed for Vietnamese seafood to overcome through trade barriers imposed by Japan.