South Korea has secured Vietnam’s approval to export heat‑treated poultry products, marking a breakthrough in trade negotiations that began in 2017. The agreement was finalized during President Lee Jae Myung’s summit with Vietnamese President To Lam in Hanoi.
The deal allows Harim and CJ CheilJedang to ship processed poultry items such as ham, sausages, nuggets, and samgyetang. While poultry is the first category cleared, the agreement is widely seen as South Korea’s entry point into Vietnam’s broader meat market.
Vietnam’s expanding meat market
Vietnam’s meat market is valued at USD 11 billion, up from USD 7.7 billion in 2020, with an annual growth rate of 9.6%. Its population of more than 100 million makes it one of Southeast Asia’s most promising consumer bases.
Harim, a leading poultry producer, plans to expand exports across fresh, processed, and home‑meal‑replacement categories. CJ CheilJedang, known globally for its Bibigo brand, already exports dumplings, gimbap, and fried rice to 70 countries.
The agreement highlights several strategic developments shaping South Korea’s entry into Vietnam’s meat sector:
- Approval covers heat‑treated poultry products as the initial step.
- Harim and CJ CheilJedang are the first South Korean firms cleared.
- Expansion to other exporters and meat categories is under discussion.
Government support and industry strategy
Food and Drug Safety Minister Oh Yu‑kyoung described the agreement as a milestone in South Korea’s regulatory diplomacy. Agriculture Minister Song Mi‑ryung emphasized its importance amid uncertain global trade conditions.
Both ministries pledged continued dialogue with Vietnam to widen participation for more South Korean producers. Officials view the deal as a way to diversify export destinations and reduce reliance on traditional markets.
Strategic outlook for South Korean firms
The agreement strengthens South Korea’s food industry presence in Southeast Asia. For Harim and CJ CheilJedang, Vietnam offers a lucrative opportunity to expand brand recognition and sales in a rapidly growing economy.
Industry analysts expect South Korean firms to leverage Vietnam’s rising demand for processed foods, positioning themselves as reliable suppliers in a competitive meat market. Poultry exports are the immediate focus, but the long‑term strategy is clearly broader.