India emerges as key meat supplier for Vietnam

According to data from the Customs Department, Vietnam imported 131,100 tonnes of meat and meat products worth more than USD 295.1 million in the first two months of 2026.

India was the largest supplier, accounting for more than 22 per cent of total imports, equivalent to over 29,100 tonnes, with turnover reaching nearly USD 116 million. Compared with the same period last year, import volume from India rose 3.7 per cent while import value increased 21.5 per cent.

The upward trend continued in March, when Vietnam imported 51,600 tonnes of meat and meat products from India worth nearly USD 208.5 million, accounting for more than 23 per cent of total imports. The figures represented increases of nearly 22 per cent in volume and 43.8 per cent in value year on year.

According to the Department of Livestock Production, Indian buffalo meat has become increasingly dominant in Vietnam due to two main factors. First, lower prices allow Indian meat products to compete strongly in the market.

In addition, domestic supply has declined in recent years because buffalo farming has become less efficient and grazing areas have narrowed. Meanwhile, demand for buffalo and beef products remains high.

India’s influence is not limited to meat exports. Murrah buffaloes have also contributed to improving Vietnam’s buffalo herd through breeding programmes.

Ta Van Can from the National Institute of Animal Science said the Murrah breed was first introduced to Vietnam in 1958, initially for draft power and milk production.

However, as demand for buffalo meat increased, development strategies shifted toward crossbreeding to improve the size and meat productivity of domestic buffalo herds.

Currently, Murrah buffalo semen is widely used in artificial insemination programs in provinces including Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh and Kon Tum.