Vietnam’s live pig prices are entering an upward cycle ahead of the 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet). Domestic prices are expected to remain higher than those in neighboring countries.
From now until Tet, prices are forecast to range between USD 2.80 and 3.00/kg. Rising seasonal demand and controlled supply conditions are driving this increase.
On January 21, the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reviewed 2025 performance and outlined plans for 2026.
Livestock trends in 2025
Deputy Director General Pham Kim Dang reported that livestock production value grew by 4.3-4.5% in 2025, below target due to natural disasters and disease outbreaks. Disasters caused the loss of 47,000 livestock and 3.54 million poultry, while disease outbreaks led to the culling of 1.27 million pigs.
Pham Kim Dang, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, delivers a report at the conference. Photo: Vietnam.vn.
Vietnam’s hog herd now totals 31.4 million heads, including 4.72 million piglets not yet weaned. Poultry numbers reached 585 million birds, up 3% year-on-year. In contrast, buffalo and cattle herds declined to 1.95 million and 6.14 million heads, respectively.
Throughout 2025, hog prices fluctuated sharply, alternating between increases and declines. On average, national prices rose nearly 4% compared with 2024. By year’s end, prices ranged from USD 2.68-2.80/kg in the north, USD 2.52-2.76/kg in central regions, and USD 2.40-2.56/kg in the south.
Pig prices enter 2026 on strong note
In early January, 2026, live pig prices continued rising, with the national average reaching USD 2.65/kg, up 8.5% from December 2024. Northern Vietnam posted the highest prices at USD 2.72-2.80/kg, with some localities exceeding USD 2.88/kg. Central provinces recorded USD 2.64-2.72/kg, while southern regions ranged from USD 2.48-2.60/kg.
The Department forecasts adequate supply as disease control remains effective and farmers accelerate restocking. Food consumption during Tet and year-end holidays is expected to rise 10-15%, supporting stable hog prices between USD 2.80 and 3.00/kg.
Poultry market maintains profitability
Poultry prices also strengthened in 2025, with each quarter higher than the last. Industrial colored-feather broilers peaked in September at USD 2.41/kg, while white-feather broilers reached USD 1.54/kg in October.
Currently, prices average USD 2.04/kg for colored-feather broilers and USD 1.22/kg for white-feather broilers. These are the highest levels in three to four years, ensuring profitability for poultry farmers.
The Department expects demand for meat and eggs to rise 5–10% during and after Tet compared with the 2025 average. Thanks to effective disease control and timely restocking, supply and demand are forecast to remain balanced, avoiding shortages during the holiday season.