The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has strongly denied allegations of labour abuse in the shrimp industry, as reported by Sustainability Incubator. VASEP claims the report’s accusations are baseless, misleading, and damaging to the reputation of Vietnam’s shrimp industry.
According to VASEP, its member companies, which account for 80-84% of Vietnam’s total seafood export value, comply with national laws, international food safety standards, and social responsibility protocols. These companies play a key role in producing seafood that meets environmental protection standards, contributing to the growing global popularity of Vietnamese seafood.
Shrimp alone accounts for 40-45% of Vietnam’s seafood export value, generating approximately $3.5-4 billion annually. The products are exported to over 100 countries, including the U.S., Europe, Japan, China, and South Korea. Vietnam now ranks among the top four shrimp-exporting nations globally, holding a 10-13% share of the world shrimp market.
VASEP highlighted Vietnam’s efforts to improve labour standards across the seafood sector, including shrimp farming. The government has implemented rigorous labour laws, enforced corporate social responsibility, and established effective inspection protocols to ensure compliance with ethical labour practices.
The shrimp industry is a crucial economic driver for Vietnam, providing livelihoods for millions, especially in rural regions. With more than 200 shrimp processing factories approved by the European Commission, VASEP ensures regular inspections to maintain high standards of worker welfare, food safety, and environmental sustainability.
Vietnamese shrimp farms boast numerous international certifications, including Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), Global GAP, and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). These certifications require strict adherence to social responsibility, worker health and safety, environmental conservation, and compliance with national labour laws like the 2012 Labour Code.
In response to the Sustainability Incubator report, which was based on research conducted from July 2023 to May 2024, VASEP reaffirmed its commitment to ethical shrimp farming and dismissed the report’s findings as inaccurate and unfounded. VASEP maintains that the Vietnamese shrimp industry continues to operate sustainably while adhering to international and national standards for labour and food safety.
