Vietnam’s breeding animal imports surge in first five months of 2026

Vietnam recorded a sharp increase in both the volume and value of breeding animal imports during the first five months of 2026.

According to data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, the country imported more than 554,300 breeding animals in May 2026, with a total value of USD 69.6 million.

Compared with April 2026:

• Import volume increased by 42.6%.
• Import value rose by 16.3%.

Compared with May 2025:

• Import volume increased by 25.8%.
• Import value surged 4.4-fold.

During the first five months of 2026, Vietnam imported approximately 2.5 million breeding animals worth USD 252.9 million, up 23.8% in volume and 176.9% in value compared with the same period last year.

The strong growth reflects rising demand from livestock enterprises and farms for high-quality breeding stock as the industry seeks to improve productivity, product quality, and competitiveness.

Day-old chick imports continue to grow

In the poultry sector, Vietnam imported more than 459,200 day-old chicks in May 2026, valued at USD 3.4 million.

Compared with April 2026:

• Import volume increased by 46.8%.
• Import value rose by 45.1%.

Compared with May 2025:

• Import volume increased by 10.3%.
• Import value increased by 26.6%.

The continued growth suggests sustained demand for breeding stock to support both commercial poultry production and breeding operations as businesses and farmers expand production.

Developing domestic breeding programs to reduce import dependence

The sharp rise in breeding animal imports reflects not only herd rebuilding following recent market fluctuations but also an increasing focus on improving livestock genetics.

As Vietnam’s livestock industry faces higher requirements for productivity, disease control, and product quality, access to high-quality breeding stock is considered essential for improving production efficiency and strengthening competitiveness.

However, alongside increasing imports, experts recommend strengthening quarantine procedures and quality control for imported breeding animals while accelerating the development of Vietnam’s domestic breeding industry.

Expanding domestic breeding capacity is seen as a key strategy to gradually reduce reliance on imported genetics, secure a stable breeding stock supply, and support the long-term development of a modern and sustainable livestock sector.