Customs data indicates that in the first 8 months of the year, Vietnam imported 124,100 tons of pork, an 18,8% increase year-on-year, but the value was only 213 million USD, a 24% decrease. On average, each kilogram of imported pork cost around 45,000 VND, down 36% compared to the same period last year.

Domestic live hog prices are also at their lowest point since the beginning of the year. As of 6/10, hogs in the northern and southern regions were purchased at 53,000-54,000 VND per kg, while the central region saw prices around 55,000-56,000 VND.

Nguyen Kim Doan, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Livestock Association, stated that current farming costs are approximately 56,000-60,000 VND per kg of live hog. This cost includes an additional 300,000 VND for every 100 kg of hogs sold due to rising feed prices. At current selling prices, many households are no longer making a profit and are even incurring losses.

Doan believes that low-priced imported pork also adds pressure on domestic hog farmers. Some countries have lower feed costs, whereas Vietnam still imports many raw materials for feed production and bears additional transportation costs, making domestic livestock farming less competitive.

Simultaneously, domestic supply is increasing. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment estimated that the national hog herd increased by 5,4% by the end of September compared to the same period. With more hogs ready for market and consumer purchasing power not improving proportionally, live hog prices are unlikely to rebound.

Imported boneless pork belly from Russia is sold at a supermarket in TP HCM. *Hong Chau*

At retail counters, imported meat prices are also cheaper than domestic products. For instance, at some outlets, imported frozen pork belly sells for about 119,000 VND per kg, while domestic pork belly costs around 170,000 VND. Imported spare ribs are approximately 153,000 VND per kg, compared to domestic ones at about 180,000 VND.

The price gap is even wider for pork hocks. Imported hocks can sell for around 49,000 VND per kg in some places, while whole domestic hocks cost about 95,000-110,000 VND, and cut portions range from 100,000-150,000 VND.

With increasing domestic and imported pork supply, unclear recovery in purchasing power, and persistently high farming costs, current prices continue to put pressure on livestock farmers.

Thi Ha