During the first 4 months of 2026, Vietnam exported meat and meat products to 25 markets, among which Hong Kong (China) remained the largest importing market.

Meat exports: Volume declines, value climbs

According to data from the General Department of Customs, during the first 4 months of 2026, Vietnam exported approximately 5,700 tons of meat and meat products, achieving an export turnover of 40.8 million USD. Compared to the same period in 2025, the export volume declined by 20.8%, yet the value increased by 2.9%. This notable point indicates that the average export price is trending upward, partially offsetting the slump in output.

Vietnam's export market footprint continues to be maintained across 25 countries and territories. Among them, Hong Kong (China) firmly secured its position as the largest market, capturing up to 37.25% of the total volume and 46.4% of the total export value. However, exports to this market plummeted sharply, reaching only 2,100 tons, equivalent to 18.93 million USD—representing a respective drop of 41.6% in volume and 24.7% in value compared to the same period last year.

This downturn reflects multiple factors, ranging from shifting market demands to increasingly fierce competition from alternative supply sources. Nonetheless, Hong Kong remains the "locomotive" for Vietnam's meat exports, particularly for traditional products such as frozen whole suckling pigs and frozen whole pigs.

Not only Hong Kong, but exports to several other markets—including Canada, Malaysia, South Korea, Spain, and Lebanon—also logged downward trends. Conversely, a few markets recorded positive growth, prominently featuring China, France, Singapore, the United States, and Cambodia. This indicates that a market shift is underway, opening up opportunities to diversify outlets for Vietnam's livestock and meat processing industries.

In terms of product structure, pork continues to hold the flagship role in exports. In the first 4 months of the year, the fresh, chilled, or frozen pork group accounted for 40.29% of the volume and 50.24% of the value. However, exports of this commodity group also fell considerably, reaching only 2,300 tons valued at 20.5 million USD, down 24.6% in volume and 12.7% in value compared to the same period in 2025.

Imports surge robustly, domestic market faces competitive pressure

In stark contrast to exports, imports of meat and meat products during the first 4 months of 2026 witnessed a powerful surge. The total import volume reached 313,070 tons, with the value climbing to 928.83 million USD—surging by 11.2% in volume and especially skyrocketing by 37.6% in value compared to the same period in 2025.

India continues to be the largest supplying market for Vietnam, accounting for nearly 24% of the total import volume, with 74,400 tons valued at 310.11 million USD. Growth from this market was highly impressive, reaching 31.6% in volume and 59.4% in value, respectively.

Additionally, imports from multiple other markets—such as the United States, Canada, Spain, Germany, Turkey, and Italy—also rose sharply. In contrast, certain markets like Russia, South Korea, Poland, and Argentina recorded declines.

Regarding structure, poultry meat and poultry edible offal accounted for the largest share in volume (37.27%), while frozen buffalo meat captured up to 31.9% in value. Imported pork made up 13.77% of the volume and roughly 10% of the value, showing that the domestic pork supply is still capable of meeting the majority of demand.

A point worth noting is that the price of imported pork exhibits a downward trend. In the first 4 months of the year, the average price of imported pork stood at only 2,143 USD/ton, down 19.3% compared to the previous year. This contributes to elevating the competitiveness of imported meat within the domestic market.

However, in the domestic market, live hog prices are showing signs of recovery. In May 2026, live hog prices across all three regions increased compared to the previous month. Specifically, the North fluctuated from 66,000–70,000 VND/kg, the Central and Central Highlands from 68,000–69.000 VND/kg, while the South achieved the highest levels, ranging from 69,000–71,000 VND/kg.

This price increase reflects that the domestic supply might be tightening while consumer demand remains stable. Concurrently, input costs and international market developments also exert a significant impact on domestic prices.

Vietnam's meat import and export activities in the first 4 months of 2026 reveal a clear polarization: exports face volume challenges but successfully safeguard value, while imports surge strongly to fulfill domestic demand.

In the coming period, the livestock and meat processing sectors need to continue accelerating export market diversification, reducing reliance on a few traditional markets. Simultaneously, it is essential to upgrade quality and develop deeply processed products to expand export values.

Conversely, controlling imports, ensuring supply-demand balance, and protecting domestic production represent an equation that must be calculated thoroughly. Only by harmoniously resolving both sides of the import-export equation can Vietnam's meat industry develop sustainably amidst increasingly deep and wide integration.

Source: Bao Nong nghiep va Moi truong