Based on a report from the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Department of Domestic Market Management and Development, Vietnam holds fourth place globally and tops the ranks in Southeast Asia in terms of pork consumption. Forecasts predict that by 2025, each individual in the country will be consuming nearly 39 kg of pork.
Pork remains a significant part of diets in Vietnam, as the country’s high consumption rate reflects. In addition, it significantly influences the national Consumer Price Index (CPI). Recent data illustrates a continuous rise in domestic pork consumption annually. In 2021, the average person consumed approximately 30 kg, which increased to around 37 kg in 2024 and further rose to nearly 39 kg the following year. Currently, the consumption of pork makes up over 63% of the total consumption of livestock products.
Pork is a food item that significantly affects the food market and the CPI, according to the department. As the Lunar New Year, or Tet, approaches, pork demand typically surges by around 10-15%. Last year, there was strong growth in the livestock industry, producing 8.6 million tonnes of various meats, of which 5.4 million tonnes were pork. This amount is sufficient to ensure an adequate supply for the upcoming Tet holiday.
Pham Kim Dang, the Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, expressed concerns over a potential supply shortage due to natural disasters and disease outbreaks the previous year. However, she assures that the current pig population of 31.4 million is more than enough to meet the demand for the Tet holiday.
Presently, the market price for live pigs is around VND71,000-74,000 (US$2.73-2.85) per kg. Despite being slightly lower than the previous month, experts consider this price to be still quite high. There were instances in January when the price reached up to VND81,000 per kg, which was unusual.
Nguyen Xuan Duong, the Chairman of the Vietnam Livestock Association, believes that the prices of pork are swayed by speculative trading and the behaviours of small traders. Pork plays a large part in the Vietnamese consumer basket and is deemed an essential good. Therefore, a significant rise in pork prices could directly impact the people’s livelihoods and the national CPI.
What is the annual per capita consumption of pork in Vietnam?
The annual per capita consumption of pork in Vietnam is predicted to reach nearly 39 kg by 2025.
How does pork consumption affect the Vietnamese economy?
Pork consumption significantly impacts Vietnam’s food market and the Consumer Price Index (CPI), particularly because it makes up over 63% of the total consumption of livestock products.
What factors influence the price of pork in Vietnam?
The price of pork in Vietnam is influenced by speculative trading, the behaviours of small traders, and the supply and demand dynamics, particularly during the Lunar New Year when demand typically surges by around 10-15%.
