January 22, 2025

 

Vietnam's pork prices hit highest levels in 2024 as this year's Lunar New year nears

 

 

As Lunar New Year approaches in Vietnam, the country's pork prices have surged to their highest levels in 2024, reaching ₫70,000/kilogramme (US$2.92/kg).

 

Meanwhile, the influx of smuggled pork from neighboring countries like Cambodia has raised concerns over food safety and illegal practices.

 

Nguyen Van Toan, owner of a large pig farm in Hung Yen Province, reported that pork prices have peaked at ₫70,000/kg (US$2.92/kg) due to limited supply. Farms like his have been cautious about restocking herds due to fears of African swine fever (ASF).

 

Since mid-December, live pork prices have risen steadily across the country, now ranging from ₫66,000/kg (US$2.75)  to ₫70,000/kg (US$2.92/kg).

 

Retail pork cuts, such as ribs and belly, have increased by ₫10,000–25,000/kg (US$0.42–1.04/kg), with prices reaching ₫120,000–220,000/kg (US$5.00-9.17/kg) at local markets.

 

The disparity in pork prices between Vietnam and neighboring countries —₫13,000–14,000/kg (US$0.54–0.58/kg) higher in Vietnam — has spurred illegal imports of smuggled pork, some of which contains banned substances or comes from disease-affected regions.

 

In late December, authorities intercepted a shipment of 531 pigs smuggled from Cambodia without veterinary inspection or proper documentation, raising fears of disease outbreaks.

 

To combat this issue, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Phung Duc Tien has issued directives to six border provinces, including An Giang and Long An, to tighten controls and penalise illegal pork trade.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has warned that smuggled pork poses significant risks to public health and the livestock industry.

 

Illegally imported pigs may have been fed with banned substances like salbutamol, a growth promoter that can cause severe health issues in humans.

 

To address these risks, authorities are conducting rigorous inspections, including testing for banned substances in animal products at slaughterhouses.

 

Local governments are tasked with tracking livestock numbers, particularly in border areas, to identify unusual increases that might indicate smuggling. They are also establishing special investigations to target individuals and organisations involved in illegal pork trade.

 

Nguyen Van Long, director of the Department of Animal Health, emphasised close coordination between MARD, law enforcement, and local authorities to address the issue.

 

Enforcement efforts focus on preventing the spread of ASF, foot-and-mouth disease, and other serious animal illnesses.

 

- VietNamNet