The United States lifted restrictions on Panamanian yellowfin tuna after granting recognition for five years, which will allow exports to be reactivated and strengthen the competitiveness of the national fishing sector.
Panama once again gained access to the United States market for yellowfin tuna, after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) granted the country “affirmative recognition” valid for five years, from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031. The measure ends 26 years of restrictions for this product.
“This result represents a milestone for the country, considering that Panama remained under restrictions since 2000, accumulating 26 years without access to the market for this product under this regime,” indicated the Aquatic Resources Authority of Panama.
Recognition, a requirement under US law, allows the importation of yellowfin tuna caught in the Eastern Tropical Pacific by large-scale purse seine vessels. Without this certification, the product remains under embargo within the regulatory scheme of that country.
The decision implies that Panama complies with the standards of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and with international commitments regarding the protection of dolphins, including its participation in the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission and the International Dolphin Conservation Program.
With this authorization, the country will be able to reactivate exports to the US market, strengthen the competitiveness of the fishing sector and improve its integration into international supply chains.. The impact will be reflected especially in the Panamanian fleet that operates in international waters with its final destination in the United States.
The advance responds to efforts in control, traceability and compliance with international standards, and marks a relevant step in Panama’s reintegration into the global fishing trade.
