On April 22, 2025, prices peaked at VND76,000/kg in southern provinces such as Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Ben Tre, and Tien Giang. The market then showed signs of cooling down on April 23 following a sharp increase. In the North, prices slightly decreased, while the South remained the region with the highest price levels. In the Northern region, prices generally ranged from VND67,000 to 68,000/kg. In the Central and Central Highlands regions, prices held steady at VND68,000 to 75,000/kg. The Southern region continued to lead with prices ranging from VND74,000 to 76,000/kg.
The price increase was mainly driven by supply-side factors, including enforcement of the Livestock Law. Many large-scale and contract farms, especially in southern provinces, had to relocate from restricted zones before January 1, 2025, leading to temporary suspensions or reduced capacity, and thus localized supply shortages. The relocation also raised production costs. In late 2024, outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever in several southern provinces reduced sow numbers, contributing to an overall herd decline and negatively impacting breeder confidence.
Small and medium-scale farmers faced challenges accessing credit and breeding stock. Concerns about disease outbreaks also discouraged restocking, with some leaving their barns empty. Additionally, when prices rose, many large-scale vertically integrated producers delayed selling in anticipation of further increases, which further constrained supply.
Supply
According to the Department of Livestock Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the livestock sector remained stable in Q1 2025. By the end of February 2025, the total pig herd reached 26.8 million head, up 3.2% year-on-year. The poultry population rose by 3.4% to 574.5 million birds, while cattle and buffalo numbers slightly declined. Pork output in Q1 2025 increased by 5% year-on-year, with notable growth in several provinces: Gia Lai up 18%, Binh Dinh up 7.6%, Hung Yen up 6.9%, Binh Phuoc up 5.8%, and Thanh Hoa up 5.2%. Nationwide pig numbers at the end of March 2025 rose by 3.3% year-on-year, consistent with 2024's growth.
However, supply shortages were localized in certain areas at specific times. For example, Dong Nai province, accounting for 10% of national output, recorded only a 0.2% increase in Q1 2025 compared to 7% in Q1 2024. In terms of headcount, March 2025 saw a year-on-year decline of 109,000 pigs. Ho Chi Minh City saw a 2.6% decrease in pork output and a 6.5% drop in herd size. Other provinces such as Khanh Hoa and Long An also recorded declines of 5.1% and 4.5%, respectively.
In February 2025, pig numbers declined as farms and enterprises increased slaughter volumes to meet demand during the Lunar New Year and early-year festivals. By the end of February 2025, the national pig herd (excluding piglets) was estimated at 26.8 million head, nearly 360,000 lower than at the end of January 2025.
Imports
Based on statistics from the General Department of Customs, in the first two months of 2025, Vietnam imported 140,300 tons of meat and meat products valued at USD291.01 million, up 20.8% in volume and 25.9% in value year-on-year. India remained the largest supplier, accounting for 20% of total imports, with 28,070 tons worth USD95.45 million, down 19.6% in volume and 10.2% in value compared to the same period in 2024.
Imports from some markets such as Australia, Germany, Argentina, Turkey, Belgium, and Denmark declined in both volume and value. In contrast, imports from Russia, the US, Brazil, Canada, Poland, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Iran, and Slovenia increased.
By product type, edible poultry meat and offal (chilled or frozen) accounted for 41.45% of total volume and 22.07% of value. Frozen buffalo meat accounted for 18.45% of volume and 30.81% of value. Edible offal from pigs, buffaloes, and cattle made up 18.69% of volume and 12.26% of value. Fresh, chilled, or frozen pork represented 16.25% of volume and 20.67% of value. Fresh, chilled, or frozen beef accounted for 3.49% of volume and 12.88% of value. Other meat types comprised 1.67% of volume and 1.31% of total import value.
Imports of fresh, chilled, or frozen pork reached 22,800 tons, worth USD60.15 million, surging 158.8% in volume and 209.8% in value year-on-year. The average import price was USD2,635/ton, up 19.9%.
Vietnam sourced pork from 16 markets worldwide, with Russia being the largest supplier, accounting for 45.47% of total pork imports, followed by Brazil (38.2%), Germany (4.05%), Spain (3.31%), the Netherlands (2.8%), the US (1.2%), Canada (1.05%), and others (3.92%).
Exports
In the first two months of 2025, Vietnam exported 3,050 tons of meat and meat products worth USD17.73 million to 24 markets, down 7.1% in volume but up 13.9% in value year-on-year. Hong Kong remained the largest export market, accounting for 57.6% of total volume and 70.08% of value, with 1,700 tons worth USD12.43 million. Exports to Hong Kong rose 3.2% in volume and 17% in value year-on-year, mainly consisting of whole frozen suckling pigs and frozen whole pigs.
Other export markets included China, Belgium, France, South Korea, and Japan. During the same period, fresh, chilled, or frozen pork made up 56.61% of export volume and 70.28% of export value. Edible poultry meat and offal (fresh, chilled, or frozen) accounted for 21.7% of volume and 14.17% of value. Other types of meat and edible offal accounted for 17.74% of volume and 13.73% of value, with remaining categories making up 3.95% of volume and 1.82% of value.
Exports of fresh, chilled, or frozen pork reached 1,700 tons, worth USD12.46 million, down 8.7% in volume but up 10.3% in value year-on-year. The main export destination was Hong Kong, with exports down 2.6% in volume but up 15% in value. Exports to Malaysia and Singapore declined year-on-year, while exports to the UK remained limited.
According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has officially approved the import of certain livestock products from Vietnam.
T.Huong
Source: Vitic