Vietnam’s pig sector is facing a stark divide. While small-scale farmers battle African swine fever (ASF), big livestock firms are posting record profits, VietNamNet Global reports.
ASF hits small farms hard
ASF outbreaks have occurred in 34 provinces during the first nine months of 2025. Nearly 1.02 million pigs were culled nationwide.
The disease spread rapidly in July and August, especially among farms lacking biosecurity measures. Many farmers lost entire herds and suffered steep financial losses.
Live pig prices fell to USD 2.25-2.42/kg, while production costs remained high, making it difficult for farmers to recover.
Meanwhile, imported pork—often cheaper than local pork—gained favor among institutional buyers seeking to reduce input costs. A Dong Nai Livestock Association representative said the recent resurgence in ASF is driving up meat imports.
According to AgroMonitor, Vietnam’s pork imports surged by 37% year-on-year (yoy). Average import price stood at USD 2.69/kg.
Rising imports reflect both ASF’s impact and shifting market dynamics. In contrast to small-scale losses, large firms are thriving.
Corporations profit and expand
While small farms struggle, major livestock firms are posting record profits and scaling up operations.
Dabaco Group JSC reported USD 56.5 million in post-tax profit for the first nine months this year, 2.5 times higher than last year. Its production cost stood at USD 1.95-1.96/kg, well below current market prices. The company expects prices to rise in Q4 due to supply shortages.
Hoa Phat Agriculture Development JSC saw its pre-tax profit skyrocket by 129% yoy to USD 42.7 million in H1 2025.
BAF Vietnam Agriculture JSC posted USD 14.3 million in after-tax profit in H1 2025, its highest half-year result. In August, the company broke ground on its largest pig farm in Quang Tri. The USD 83.3 million project will raise:
- ✅ 15,000 sows
- ✅ 450,000 fattening pigs
The company aims to produce 10 million fattening pigs annually.
Meanwhile, Dabaco also launched new farms and feedmills in Ha Tinh, Quang Ninh, and Thanh Hoa. Additional projects are planned in Quang Tri, Lao Cai, and Lam Son Nhu Xuan by early 2026.
Pork remains central to meat output
Vietnam’s pig population reached 32 million by end-2024, the highest in five years.
- ✅ Pig slaughtered: 53.35 million heads
- ✅ Live pork output: 5.18 million tons
- ✅ Pork share of total meat production: 62.6%
- ✅ Global pork share: ~40%
Despite ASF and rising imports, pork remains the backbone of Vietnam’s meat sector.