13 Feb 2026

Vietnam meat imports surge past USD2B in 2025

In 2025, Vietnam imported 978,300 tonnes of meat and meat products, with poultry representing a key product category.

Valerie Nguyen

aviNews Asia

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According to consolidated data from the Import and Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) and the General Department of Customs, Vietnam recorded a significant increase in fresh food imports in 2025. The country spent more than USD 2.004 billion to import approximately 978,300 tonnes of meat and related products.

Compared with 2024, import volume increased by 11.6%, while import value rose by 12.2%, indicating growing demand for imported animal protein among domestic consumers and food processing chains.

Key supplying markets and major product categories

Among meat-exporting countries to Vietnam, India remained the largest supplier, shipping 188,700 tonnes valued at USD 681.32 million, accounting for nearly 20% of Vietnam’s total meat import volume.

Imported products were diversified but mainly concentrated in three major categories:

Poultry meat (fresh, chilled or frozen)
Edible offal and slaughter by-products
Frozen buffalo meat and pork

Frozen pork imports surge

Frozen pork imports recorded particularly strong growth in 2025. Total imports reached 183,400 tons, valued at USD 418.54 million—up 18.75% in volume and nearly 21% in value.

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Vietnam’s frozen pork supply relied heavily on Russia, which accounted for 48.44% of total imports, followed by Brazil with a 30.91% share.

The average import price of frozen pork stood at approximately USD 2273/ton. This surge came amid sharp fluctuations in domestic live hog prices in early 2026, ranging from USD 2.65-3.30/kg, adding cost pressure across the domestic supply chain.

Limited export capacity

By contrast, Vietnam’s meat exports remained modest relative to imports.
In 2025, exports totaled only 22,300 tons, generating USD 116.49 million in revenue.

Hong Kong continued as Vietnam’s largest export destination. However, shipments to this market fell more than 21% year-on-year, underscoring challenges in expanding exports.

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