Pressure–State–Response of traceability implementation in seafood-exporting countries: evidence from Vietnamese shrimp products

Shrimp products play a vital role in the international trade of fisheries products. The main suppliers for shrimp products are developing nations such as Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, and other countries in Southeast Asia. Among them, Vietnam is one of the largest exporters of shrimp products, and developed countries, especially the United States (US), Europe, and Japan, are key importers of shrimp in the global market. An increase in the demand for shrimp products has led to the development of traceability regulations in developed countries. In this study, Pressure–State–Response (PSR) concepts are applied to evaluate the implementation responses of traceability regulations by exporting countries to meet the mandatory requirements of global markets. The evaluation was based on the prepared questions that were developed to allow comparison of specified indicators in the traceability regulations of importing countries and those of Vietnam. The examination showed that importing countries have introduced stringent traceability regulations via legislation and quality assurance practices. Regarding measures taken by exporting countries, Vietnam has introduced traceability regulations for both shrimp and other seafood products. Thus, Vietnamese regulations were found to satisfy the regulations of importing countries. However, the implementation of these regulations has faced a number of challenges, largely because of complicated of distribution channels, small-scale production, price discrimination, and a lack capital to apply for international certificates.