Vietnam’s livestock sector must shift focus to value creation

Domestic supply capacity is strong. Local production meets 90.9% of pork demand, 81.8% of poultry demand, 68.5% of beef demand, and 40–45% of milk demand. Egg production already exceeds consumption.

International trade has also recorded positive results. Livestock product exports rose from USD 434 million in 2021 to USD 627.8 million in 2025. Feed ingredients and animal feed exports reached USD 1.6 billion. By 2030, the sector aims to raise livestock product exports to USD 1–1.5 billion.

However, large-scale production alone does not guarantee high added value. The challenge for Vietnam’s livestock sector now lies in meeting international standards and integrating more deeply into global value chains.

Standardizing the chain for global markets

At the 2026 Tay Ninh Import-Export Supply Chain Connectivity Conference, Vu Manh Hung, Chairman of Hung Nhon Group, emphasized that producing quality products is not enough.

Mr Hung said that to gain deeper access to demanding markets such as Europe, Japan, and Halal markets, Vietnamese businesses must first develop the capacity to participate in value chains that meet international standards.

International markets demand stable, transparent systems capable of demonstrating consistent quality across the entire supply chain. Products must meet traceability requirements and comply with unified standards.

This means every stage—from genetics and feed to farm technology, biosecurity, animal health, and processing—must be standardized and integrated. Clear control procedures and transparent traceability are essential.

Specialization and integration as drivers

“To compete internationally, we do not necessarily have to do everything ourselves, but each link in the chain must be strong enough and connected through a common standard,” Mr Hung said.

Hung Nhon and its international partners have built an integrated production model covering genetics, feed, livestock production, processing, and distribution. Each company specializes in its area while working toward shared goals of efficiency and competitiveness.

Hung Nhon operates large-scale, high-tech farms with strong biosecurity. International partners contribute expertise:

• ✅ De Heus (Netherlands): Animal feed and nutritional solutions.
• ✅ Bel Gà (Belgium): High-quality poultry breeding stock.
• ✅ Big Dutchman (Germany): Modern housing technology and equipment solutions.
• ✅ Olmix (France) and Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany): Specialized solutions for animal health and biosecurity.

This model shows how specialization and integration strengthen management efficiency and quality control while aligning with international standards.

Biosecurity and sustainability as foundations

Biosecurity is particularly critical in poultry production. Closed-house systems, environmental monitoring, and automated feeding improve precision and reduce risks. Disease-free zones further strengthen compliance with export requirements.

Human resources also play a key role. Farm personnel must be trained in biosecurity, animal care, and health management to maintain consistent standards.

Mr Hung stressed that livestock development must align with environmental responsibility. Technology, quality control, and standards-based production should reduce resource use, minimize environmental impact, and support sustainable growth.

He noted that ‘European standards’ are not simply a set of technical requirements for exports, but also a production model in which quality is controlled, traceability is transparent, technology is used effectively, and growth is linked to environmental responsibility.

Building a foundation for global competitiveness

To move from volume-driven growth to value-driven development, Vietnam’s livestock sector must strengthen cooperation among businesses, farmers, regulators, and international partners.

A common standards framework will help optimize costs, improve competitiveness, ensure quality, and expand access to demanding export markets.