Panama Gets Dolphin-Safe Tuna Pass to U.S. Shores for Five Years
Published Date: 4/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. just gave Panama a 5-year green light to import yellowfin tuna caught in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, as long as Panama sticks to dolphin-safe fishing rules. This means Panamanian tuna products can keep swimming into U.S. markets from April 2026 through March 2031. Tuna fishers, importers, and seafood lovers should note this update, which keeps trade flowing smoothly without extra costs or delays.
Free Policy Watch
New rules are filed every week. Most people never see them.
Pick a topic. PRIA watches every federal rule and tells you when one hits your household.
Pick a topic to get started
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Panama Approved to Export Yellowfin Tuna
If you import, sell, or eat tuna, Panama is allowed to export yellowfin tuna and yellowfin tuna products harvested in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) into the United States from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2031. This permission applies to tuna taken by purse seine vessels under Panamanian jurisdiction or tuna exported from Panama, provided Panama meets Agreement on the International Dolphin Conservation Program (AIDCP) and IATTC obligations.
Affirmative Finding Can Be Terminated
The affirmative finding for Panama can be terminated if the Assistant Administrator determines Panama no longer meets the requirements of 50 CFR 216.24(f) or is consistently failing to take enforcement actions on violations. Termination would be done in consultation with the Secretary of State and would affect Panama's ability to export ETP-caught yellowfin tuna to the United States.
Intermediary-Nation Embargo Rule Still Applies
Issuing the new 5-year affirmative finding for Panama does not change the intermediary nation embargo under 50 CFR 216.24(f)(9). That embargo still applies to exports from a nation that exports to the United States yellowfin tuna or products that were subject to a prior U.S. import ban under the MMPA.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in