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Vietnam’s livestock industry has maintained strong growth momentum in recent years, with exports of livestock products rising significantly and bringing the country closer to its goal of becoming a billion-dollar exporter in the sector.
The remarks were made at the 10th International Livestock, Dairy, Meat Processing and Aquaculture Exposition (ILDEX Vietnam 2026) – one of the major trade events for the livestock and agri-food industries – held in Ho Chi Minh City from May 20-22. The event attracted more than 230 companies from 25 countries and territories.
Former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien said Vietnam’s livestock sector had achieved steady progress in recent years, with export values of livestock products continuing to increase.
Former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien. Photo: Valerie Nguyen.
In the first four months of 2026, exports of livestock products reached USD 245 million, up 45.5% compared to the same period last year.
Of the total, exports of milk and dairy products exceeded USD 62 million, more than doubling year-on-year, while exports of meat, meat by-products and edible animal offal reached USD 73.5 million, up 16.5%.
“With the current growth momentum, livestock exports could reach between USD 700 million and USD 750 million in 2026 and move toward the USD 1 billion mark the following year,” Tien said.
According to him, the target was once considered an ambitious dream, but Vietnam is now not only meeting demand for a population of 100 million people and around 18-20 million tourists annually, but is also aiming for global export markets.
ILDEX Vietnam promotes connectivity and innovation in the livestock sector
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Wiraka Moodhitaporn, Consul General of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City and Vice President of VNU Asia Pacific, the exhibition organizer, said Vietnam had established itself over the past decade as a strategic hub for Southeast Asia’s agri-food industry.
She noted that ILDEX Vietnam had played a practical role in that development by becoming a trusted business networking platform for international enterprises.
Among the more than 230 exhibitors participating this year were companies and brands from major livestock-producing regions, including China, North America, the European Union and South Korea.
Businesses showcased a wide range of advanced technologies and products related to livestock farming, wastewater and waste treatment, biosecurity and food processing in an effort to attract potential partners.
New programs and models introduced
This year’s exhibition focused on integrated solutions across the agricultural value chain, ranging from animal feed and aquaculture to livestock technologies, biosecurity and environmental management systems.
Many new and advanced products and technologies serving the livestock sector were introduced to visitors by participating businesses. Photo: Valerie Nguyen.
In addition to the exhibition area, a series of technical seminars jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and industry associations also took place throughout the event, providing a forum for experts to discuss green agriculture and innovation.