Santa Catarina Imposes Tilapia Ban
The Brazilian state of Santa Catarina announced an administrative measure on December 17, 2025, to ban the sale and consumption of Vietnamese tilapia. The state government cited the purported risk of the Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) as the reason for its decision, which targets all forms of imported tilapia, including fresh and frozen products. This move has sparked alarm among Vietnamese exporters and created a conflict with Brazil's federal agricultural authorities.
Federal Approval Overridden by State Action
Santa Catarina's ban directly contradicts a federal decision made by Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA). In February 2024, MAPA had initially suspended all tilapia imports from Vietnam due to concerns regarding TiLV and alleged non-compliance with Brazilian sanitary standards. However, following a comprehensive Import Risk Analysis (IRA), MAPA officially lifted this federal suspension on April 24, 2025, publishing its decision in Brazil's Official Gazette. The IRA concluded that the risk of TiLV transmission through imported frozen tilapia fillets was 'negligible'.
The federal government's decision to resume imports was also part of broader trade negotiations aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, including Vietnam opening its market to Brazilian beef.
Vietnamese Exporters Express Alarm
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) issued a statement on December 23, 2025, expressing significant apprehension over Santa Catarina's unilateral action. VASEP argues that the state's decision lacks a solid scientific basis, especially since no federal authority has confirmed pathogenic risks, including TiLV, in Vietnamese tilapia. The association emphasized that Vietnamese tilapia products adhere strictly to international sanitary standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and specific Brazilian federal requirements.
Vietnamese firms have warned that such local barriers could set a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining the trade environment between Vietnam and Brazil. VASEP also highlighted that Santa Catarina is a significant exporter of meat and grains to Vietnam, implying concerns about reciprocity in trade relations.
Economic and Trade Implications
The state of Santa Catarina aims to protect its domestic tilapia industry, which produces approximately 59 tons of tilapia annually and generates over R$ 500 million in sales. Local aquaculture associations, such as Abipesca and Peixe BR, had previously raised objections to federal imports, citing potential damage to the domestic industry.
Despite these local concerns, the Brazilian federal government had affirmed that the resumption of tilapia imports was an 'irreversible decision' tied to high-level agreements, including facilitating Brazil's beef market access to Vietnam. Both nations are working towards a goal of increasing bilateral trade turnover to USD 15 billion by 2030.
5 Comments
Katchuka
State rights matter. Why risk our health for federal trade deals?
Eugene Alta
While protecting local industries is important, Santa Catarina needs to present stronger scientific evidence to justify overriding a federal decision. This conflict creates unnecessary trade friction.
Noir Black
VASEP is right, where's the scientific proof? This sets a bad precedent.
Africa
Federal government always puts trade before people. SC is doing the right thing.
Bermudez
It's understandable that a state wants to safeguard its local economy and food safety, but federal trade agreements are crucial for national growth. There's a clear tension between state autonomy and broader economic diplomacy here.