Vietnam is currently grappling with significant shifts in its cattle industry as India emerges as the country’s largest supplier of meat. Recent data shows that between January and August 2025, India accounted for 18.4% of Vietnam’s total meat imports, delivering approximately 114,700 tonnes, primarily consisting of buffalo meat from the Murrah breed. This influx of low-cost frozen meat is not only undercutting local beef prices but is also posing serious challenges for Vietnamese farmers and small-scale producers.
Concerns are growing over the quality of these imports, particularly after reports surfaced of frozen meat being sold as fresh beef. Such practices have raised alarms regarding consumer trust and food safety.
Nguyen Tri Cong, Chairman of the Dong Nai Livestock Association, has called for greater transparency in meat sourcing and labelling to ensure fair competition in the market. “It is essential to clarify details regarding the type of imported meat, including its quantity, origin, and whether it is beef or buffalo meat. This information is crucial as it influences consumer preferences and the fair competition among meat suppliers in the Vietnamese market,” he told Asian Agribiz.
As Vietnam’s cattle industry navigates these challenges, local producers are urged to adapt by focusing on quality and branding, in a bid to maintain their foothold in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
