Asia - Vietnam's main meat and meat product export market
According to preliminary statistics from General Department of Customs, in the second quarter of 2024, Vietnam exported 6,190 tonnes of meat and meat products, worth 25.95 million USD, up 15.8% in volume and 9.5% in value compared to the first quarter of 2024; compared to the second quarter of 2023, it increased by 36.3% in volume and 8.8% in value.
Vietnam's meat and meat products are mainly exported to countries in the Asian region, of which the largest export is to Hong Kong market (China), accounting for 41.59% in volume and 56.46% in value of total export of meat and meat products of the country, with 2,570 tonnes, worth 14.65 million USD, up 0.8% in volume but down 6.5% in value compared to the first quarter of 2024; compared to the second quarter of 2023, it increased by 25% in volume and 16.6% in value.
In the second quarter of 2024, main types of meat and meat products exported include: Other meat and edible meat by-products after slaughtering other animals, fresh, chilled or frozen (mainly frozen frog meat) are exported mainly to Belgium, France, Spain, the United States...; Fresh, chilled or frozen pork (mainly frozen whole suckling pig and frozen whole pork) are exported mainly to Hong Kong market; fresh, chilled or frozen poultry meat and edible by-products after slaughtering (mainly frozen chicken feet) are exported mainly to Hong Kong (China), China, Laos... Notably, export of all types of meat and meat products all grew well compared to the same period in 2023. Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) said that in recent times, Vietnam has had many activities to promote export of meat and meat products. In particular, poultry products, especially cooked processed products, have been exported to demanding markets such as Japan, Hong Kong (China), Korea, etc. and some markets in the European Union.
In coming time, it is forecasted that Vietnam's meat and meat product exports will continue to increase, with main export items still being frozen suckling pig, frozen pork, frozen chicken feet, frozen frog meat, etc.
Continue to diversify export markets
In general picture of livestock industry, according to Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the first half of 2024, export of these products reached 240 million USD, an increase of 3.8% over the same period last year. Of which, majority are processed meat products, followed by fresh, chilled or frozen pork, etc.
However, export of livestock products is not commensurate with domestic production capacity because livestock products in the integration period require meeting very strict technical standards.
Specifically, according to regulations of World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), when exporting animal-related products, it is mandatory to comply with regulations and criteria on disease-free zones. Vietnamese livestock products that want to be exported must first comply with these regulations.
In addition to the general regulations of WOAH, each country importing animals and animal products also has its own regulations. For example, EU requires exporting countries to develop a program to monitor microbial indicators and toxic residues according to EU standards; must meet EU requirements during surprise and periodic inspections and field tests by EU experts... Many markets require animal welfare.
Or to export to Muslim markets, Halal food must comply with Islamic rules and integrity, safety and hygiene of product must be maintained throughout supply chain, not just input materials.
Meanwhile, there is no unified Halal standard in the world. Similarly, many organizations issue Halal certification based on their own criteria, which may not match criteria issued by other certification organizations.
Regarding market opening, Mr. Nguyen Van Long - Director of Department of Animal Health (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) - said that Department of Animal Health is continuing to negotiate to export livestock products to Korea, China, Singapore, EU, UK and Middle Eastern countries. At the same time, increasing number of manufacturing enterprises allowed to export to opened markets.
Not only are authorities making efforts to negotiate and open the market, many enterprises are also joining hands with localities to build disease-free livestock farming areas, livestock farming chains with processing using modern technology such as Masan, C.P. Vietnam, Koyu&Unitek, Japfa, De Heus, GreenFeed…
Mr. Phung Duc Tien - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development - said: agricultural sector with perspective of developing comprehensive, effective, sustainable livestock farming and adapting to climate change towards industrialization, modernization associated with value chains, circular economy, increasing added value, ensuring biosafety, disease and food safety. This is premise for livestock farming to access major markets in the world, especially Halal market.
The fact that Vietnam has exported livestock products to many markets paves the way for international connections, gradually affirming quality of Vietnamese products that are qualified to conquer strict and demanding markets around the world. Diversifying export markets, opening up new markets with much room such as Halal market is considered the key to boosting exports in general and livestock products in particular.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn