Shoppers prefer pork from large supermarket chains due to food safety assurances. Photo for illustration.
Earlier this year, pig prices surged to VND 80,000 (approximately USD 3.20) per kilogram in April, the highest level in nearly two years. However, as the epidemic spread nationwide from June, prices quickly reversed and have yet to stabilise.
On August 19, pig prices ranged between VND 55,000 and 63,000 per kilogram across the country.
In Hanoi, pork consumption has dropped sharply as many consumers expressed health concerns. Nguyen Hoa, a resident of Cau Giay Ward, said her family has cut pork consumption from daily meals to only two or three times a week, replacing it with chicken, beef and seafood.
Restaurant owners are also struggling. Pham Minh Tuan, who runs a bun cha eatery in Mai Dong Ward, said customer numbers had fallen significantly, with many regulars avoiding pork dishes.
The slump has hit small traders and farmers hard. At Kham Thien Market, pork vendor Tran Thi Thu said sales had fallen by nearly a third compared to last month. She has reduced her daily stock from 250 kilograms to 180 kilograms, but still struggles to sell out, often cutting prices to move stock.
By contrast, supermarkets have seen rising demand. Shoppers prefer pork from large retail chains due to food safety assurances. A supermarket representative reported sales up more than 15 per cent since June.
The Vietnam Animal Husbandry Association said prices have likely bottomed out and will only recover once the disease is contained and supply stabilises. While a rebound is possible by year-end, increases will be limited compared to previous years.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, 926 outbreaks remain active in 34 provinces and cities, with more than 330,000 pigs culled, nearly 1 per cent of the national herd. The epidemic has mainly affected smallholder farms, peaking in July and showing slight signs of easing since early August.
