In an urgent document sent to the PM, Dong Nai Animal Husbandry Association said that illegally imported pigs are accounting for 30 percent of the total sold everyday in the country.
Although PM Pham Minh Chinh issued a dispatch which requires strict punishment on illegal trading and transporting of pigs through Vietnam’s borders, these activities have continued, affecting sales and posing the threat of disease transmission into the country, the association said in their document.
According to the association, the illegal activities have sharply increased amid rising demand for the coming Tet Lunar New Year.
"Between 6,000 and 7,000 pigs had been illegally brought into Vietnam every day from Cambodia through border gates in the southern region between January 1-15," the association said. "These illegally-imported pigs are being sold at cheap prices of around VND50,000 per kilo, making it difficult for local pig farmers to sell their products at profitable prices."
The association also mentioned great losses facing local farmers due to some diseases affecting their pigs, which they claim might have been spread from the foreign pigs.
"We very much hope that the PM and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development to direct concerned agencies to prevent the situation," the association said.
Vietnam’s pig farmers are struggling as the price of live pigs has recently fallen to a two-year low of VND46,000 per kilo. Meanwhile, lower consumption and oversupply both from local production and imports are still driving down prices.
Pork imported from China, Thailand and Brazil, is currently sold at 30 percent cheaper than local pork.
