Vietnam’s Q1 2026 meat exports rise in value despite volume drop

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Vietnam’s meat industry recorded encouraging gains in export value and international market expansion during Q1 2026, even as shipment volumes fell.

Export performance in Q1

Data from the Vietnam Customs Department, meat and meat product exports showed a clear divergence between volume and value performance:

• Export volume: 4600 tons (down 13.7% year-on-year)
• Export value: USD 33.32 million (up 11.3%)
• Export destinations: 21 countries and territories

Market insight: The contrast between lower export volumes and higher export value indicates that Vietnamese exporters are increasingly focusing on higher value-added products or benefiting from stronger global meat prices.

Market developments and destinations

Vietnam currently maintains exports to 21 international markets, with mixed performances across destinations.

Hong Kong remained the largest market, accounting for more than half of total export value. However, shipments dropped 36.2% year‑on‑year, mainly suckling pork and frozen whole pigs..

Several traditional markets, including Canada, Malaysia, South Korea, and the Netherlands, recorded downturns.

By contrast, exports to China, France, Singapore, Japan, the United States, and Cambodia grew, underscoring Vietnam’s push to diversify and reduce reliance on traditional partners.

Export product structure

Industry outlook and trends

Despite global economic uncertainties, two clear trends are shaping Vietnam’s meat industry.

Exporters are prioritizing product quality and value‑added processing to sustain revenue growth despite declining shipment volumes.

At the same time, diversification into demanding markets such as the US, France, and Japan is expected to strengthen long‑term sustainability and reduce risks from overreliance.