In the first five months of 2025, Vietnam experienced a significant surge in imports of fresh, chilled, and frozen pork, reaching 56,100 tons, an increase of 77.7% compared to last year. This rise in imports comes alongside a notable price surge, with the average cost of imported pork climbing to USD 2661/ton, representing a 19.5% rise from 2024.
Russian suppliers dominate the Vietnamese pork market, providing 50.45% of total imports. Brazil is in close second with 30.51%, while Spain and Germany contribute 5.43% and 2.38% respectively. Smaller markets account for the remainder of the imports, reflecting Vietnam’s ongoing strategy to diversify its sources.
Recent market changes have seen Vietnam open its doors to US meat products by reducing tariffs. In a June meeting with a group of meat importers in Ho Chi Minh City, some importers told Asian Agribiz that consumer concern appears limited, as many meat importers indicate that the US does not rank among Vietnam’s top meat suppliers. This trade strategy primarily aims to balance the trade surplus and further diversify meat sources rather than replace existing suppliers.
While US meat imports may offer additional options for Vietnamese consumers, industry insiders note that the higher prices and differing cuts may not fully align with traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Nevertheless, diversification is viewed as a positive development, expanding consumer choices nationwide.
