Pablo Recio Gracia and Victor Morales Mora were in Vietnam ahead of the Tet holiday, meeting key stakeholders across Vietnam’s livestock and dairy sectors along with our Vietnam team – Quyen Nguyen, Jose Tena and Han Ngo.
Vietnam remains one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic protein markets. Pork continues to anchor consumption patterns, even after ASF, while poultry is expanding at a steady pace. Conversations with importers highlighted ongoing reliance on imported pork following domestic production disruptions.
Some suppliers also pointed to short-term trading adjustments, including opportunities to source redirected containers from neighbouring markets, at times creating more competitive pricing conditions.
In poultry, the growth trajectory is clearer. Brazil and the US are among the key suppliers, particularly for leg quarters, drumsticks and mechanically deboned meat, reflecting both processing demand and price positioning.
Regulatory fluidity was another recurring theme. Even minor technical updates, if not anticipated, can lead to customs delays. For European suppliers, continuous monitoring and close communication remain essential when navigating Vietnam’s evolving framework.
With several research and activity plans scheduled in 2026 across pork and poultry, it was important to be on the ground ahead of Tet to understand how professionals are approaching the year ahead.
