The high consumption level underscores pork’s dominant role in Vietnamese daily meals and its significant influence on the country’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Data shows domestic pork consumption has increased year by year. Average per capita consumption stood at about 30kg in 2021, rose to roughly 37kg in 2024 and reached approximately 39kg in 2025. Pork now accounts for more than 63 per cent of the total livestock product consumption structure.
The department noted that pork has a substantial impact on both the food market and overall CPI, given its weight in the consumer basket.
As Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, pork demand typically rises by 10-15 per cent. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the livestock sector recorded strong growth last year, producing 8.6 million tonnes of various meats, including 5.4 million tonnes of pork, sufficient to meet demand during the Tet holiday.
Pham Kim Dang, deputy director of the ministry’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, said concerns had emerged about possible shortages due to natural disasters and disease outbreaks. However, the national pig herd currently stands at around 31.4 million, which is adequate to ensure supply during Tet.
Live pig prices are currently trading at around VND 71,000-74,000 (USD 2.73-2.85) per kilogram. Although slightly lower than last month, experts say prices remain high. In January, prices briefly climbed to VND 81,000 per kilogram, an unusual spike.
Nguyen Xuan Duong, chairman of the Vietnam Livestock Association, attributed price fluctuations partly to speculative trading and small traders’ market psychology.
Given pork’s large share in household spending, any sharp rise in prices not only affects daily life but can also exert upward pressure on the national CPI.