Demand for imported pork in Vietnam has increased due to high domestic meat prices. Illustrative photo.
According to a report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, meat and dairy imports were estimated at nearly USD 400 million in July alone.
Among import categories, dairy products saw the strongest growth, totalling more than USD 860 million, while meat and slaughter byproducts accounted for over USD 1 billion.
The ministry attributed the spike in demand for imported food to high domestic meat prices, driven by elevated livestock feed costs.
At several supermarkets in Hanoi, frozen meat imported from Europe, Brazil, Canada, and Australia is being sold for just 40 to 50 per cent of the price of domestic meat.
For example, imported pork belly is priced at around VND 100,000 to 120,000 (approximately USD 4 to 4.80) per kilo, while the local equivalent exceeds VND 150,000 (approximately USD 6). Imported pork shoulder is sold for VND 80,000 to 89,000 (approximately USD 3.20 to 3.60) per kilo, which is some 40 per cent cheaper than domestic products.
Amid the ongoing outbreak of African swine fever in several provinces, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued directives to prevent sudden spikes in domestic pork prices.
Despite the challenges, the national pig herd reached over 30 million by July, up 2.1 per cent year on year, according to the ministry.
