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17 Sep 2026

Cheap pork imports challenges Vietnam’s livestock farmers

The country’s pork industry risks oversupply as imports climb and exports falter, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable supply chains.

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Cheap pork imports challenges Vietnam’s livestock farmers

Commercialization Production porciNews Asia

Vietnam’s pork industry is under mounting strain as cheap imports surge, leaving local farmers squeezed by rising costs and weak demand, according to a report from Viet Nam News. Imports from Brazil, Russia, and Spain are reshaping the market, forcing domestic producers to rethink survival strategies.

Rising imports reshape the market

Vietnam imported 112,090 tons of pork worth USD 185.5 million between January and July 2026. This marked a 27% increase in volume year-on-year, though the overall value fell by 21%. Import prices averaged USD 1638/ton (or USD 1.68/kg), significantly lower than domestic live hog prices of around USD 2.31/kg.

Brazil supplied nearly 44.5% of imports, followed by Russia at 21.4% and Spain at 20.5%. Brazil’s expanding pork industry is expected to remain a dominant supplier, with production projected to reach 6.1 million tons in 2027.

These competitive prices have intensified pressure on Vietnamese farmers, who already face subdued consumer demand and rising feed costs.

Domestic farmers under pressure

Nguyen Kim Doan, deputy chairman of the Dong Nai Livestock Association, noted that Brazil’s live hog prices are about half of Vietnam’s. This disparity leaves local producers struggling to compete.

Feed prices have risen multiple times since early 2026, adding USD 11.74 per 100 kg of live weight to production costs. Farmers are increasingly forced to sell animals earlier to reduce risks, cutting into profitability.

While demand is expected to recover slightly after summer as schools reopen and traditional markets regain activity, the short-term outlook remains challenging.

Export struggles and risks of oversupply

Vietnam exported 10,700 tons of meat and meat products worth USD 72.1 million in the first seven months of 2026. Although export value rose by 5%, volumes fell by 18% compared to last year. Hong Kong accounted for 32.4% of exports, but overall shipments remain modest relative to imports.

Industry experts warn that herd expansion combined with rising imports could trigger oversupply risks if consumption does not grow at the same pace.

Toward sustainability

According to the Vietnam Livestock Association, the sector must adopt integrated supply chains linking breeding, farming, slaughtering, processing, and distribution. This would help reduce costs, improve traceability, and strengthen competitiveness against imports.

Experts also emphasize the need for biosecurity, disease control, and investment in high-quality genetics. Centralized slaughtering, deeper processing, and stronger export branding are seen as critical to long-term resilience.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment expects domestic hog prices to edge higher in the coming months as demand gradually recovers. However, without structural reforms, farmers remain vulnerable to global price shifts and rising input costs.