VINAGRI News - Vietnam imported nearly 102,000 tons of frozen and chilled pork worth $275 million in the first eight months of 2025, almost doubling in value from the same period last year. The sharp increase comes as African swine fever (ASF) resurges across the country, disrupting domestic supply and driving local prices significantly higher than imported products.
🔹Summary:
- Import volume & value: 102,000 tons of frozen and chilled pork worth $275 million imported in Jan - Aug 2025, nearly doubling in value from 2024.
- Price surge: Average import price $2,688/ton, up 17% year-on-year.
- Main cause: African swine fever (ASF) reemerged nationwide, causing 1,780 outbreaks and 648,000 pigs culled.
- Domestic price gap: Local pork up to 78% more expensive than imports; retail prices VND 160,000 - 220,000/kg, while imported meat VND 90,000 - 120,000/kg.
- Competitiveness issues: High domestic production costs, small-scale farms, heavy reliance on imported feed and breeding stock.
- Global context: Global prices softening as China stabilizes production and U.S. exports slow.
- Total meat imports: 623,000 tons, $1.26 billion, up 14% year-on-year.
- Policy direction: Authorities focus on biosecurity, disease-free zones, and sustainable livestock development.
According to the latest report from the Import - Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s pork imports have risen sharply in recent months despite escalating global prices. Since the beginning of the year, the average import price has reached $2,688 per ton (around VND 68,000 per kg), up 17% year-on-year.
One of the primary reasons for the import surge is the re-emergence of African swine fever, which has been reported in all 34 provinces and cities nationwide since early 2025. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said that the outbreaks have resulted in 1,780 cases, forcing the culling of approximately 648,000 pigs.
The Department of Animal Health noted that the disease mainly affects small-scale farms with limited biosecurity measures. Seasonal weather conditions - with heavy rains and high humidity - have reduced the effectiveness of disinfection, allowing the virus to persist and spread. More alarmingly, a new, more virulent strain has been detected, complicating containment efforts.
As a result of unstable domestic supply, local pork prices have surged, trading 50 - 78% higher than imported alternatives. Retail prices currently stand at VND 220,000 per kg for pork jowl and VND 160,000 - 180,000 for belly cuts, while frozen pork from Russia and Brazil is sold at just VND 90,000 - 120,000 per kg. This price gap has prompted many restaurants and food service businesses to switch to imported meat to manage costs.
Beyond disease pressures, production costs remain a significant challenge. Vietnam’s livestock sector is heavily dependent on imported feed, breeding stock, and veterinary drugs, pushing the cost of live hog production far above that of countries with industrial-scale farming. Small-scale operations and lower productivity further hinder competitiveness. Industry experts from the Southeast Livestock Association emphasized that large-scale production in exporting countries helps reduce costs dramatically - an advantage Vietnam currently lacks.
Meanwhile, global market conditions are favorable for importers. China, the world’s largest pork producer, is expected to maintain stable output of 57 million tons in 2026, supported by genetic improvements and modernized farms. In the U.S., pork exports have slowed amid lower by-product prices and Chinese tariffs, pushing international prices lower and creating a more accessible market for Vietnam.
Overall, Vietnam imported 623,000 tons of meat and meat products worth $1.26 billion in the first eight months of 2025, up 14% year-on-year. While India remains the largest supplier, its share has declined, leaving room for Russia, the U.S., and Brazil to expand exports to Vietnam.
Livestock experts believe that rising imports are an unavoidable trend given domestic supply volatility. However, they warn that over-reliance on imports could undermine local farmers, particularly as feed costs and disease risks remain high. They stress the need for a balanced approach that both meets market demand and supports sustainable domestic livestock development.
To ease pressure on local producers, associations recommend strengthening disease prevention measures, promoting biosecure farming, and encouraging larger-scale operations. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said it will intensify disease surveillance and genomic sequencing in the months ahead to identify emerging virus strains early. The ministry is also guiding provinces and enterprises to establish disease-free zones in accordance with national standards and WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) protocols, to safeguard production and ensure long-term stability.
NPK/ Vinagri News
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