Vietnam spends $1.4B on meat imports
In this article (5)
Vietnam imported nearly US$1.4 billion worth of meat and meat products in the first 10 months of 2024, up 14% from a year earlier.
Most of the imports came from India, the U.S., Russia, and Germany, customs data shows. They are much cheaper than local products, making them highly attractive to consumers.
Imported pork costs around VND52,000-62,000 (US$2-2.5) per kilogram on the retail market while domestic varieties are priced at VND80,000-180,000.
The Dong Nai Livestock Association said the influx of cheap imported meat is putting further pressure on the domestic livestock industry, which has already been struggling with reduced supply due to African swine fever.
If strict controls are not implemented, low-priced imports could hamper the industry’s growth and pose food safety risks, they warned.
According to the Department of Animal Health, of the 6,679 batches of imported meats inspected between May and September this year, over 1% contained salmonella and was disposed of.
The department is working with exporting countries to monitor quality, but experts want the government to tighten quarantine measures to protect public health and prevent disease outbreaks from contaminated food.
In response to the sharp increase in meat imports, market regulators have also strengthened control measures to get rid of substandard products.
In August HCMC authorities seized 400 kilograms of imported frozen pork intestines and udder meat that lacked documentation.
Questions & Answers
Q.What was the total value of meat and meat product imports into Vietnam for the first ten months of 2024?
What was the total value of meat and meat product imports into Vietnam for the first ten months of 2024?
Vietnam imported nearly US$1.4 billion worth of meat and meat products in the first 10 months of 2024. This figure represents a 14% increase compared to the previous year.
Q.Which countries are the primary sources of meat imports for Vietnam?
Which countries are the primary sources of meat imports for Vietnam?
Most of Vietnam's meat imports originate from India, the U.S., Russia, and Germany. This information is derived from customs data mentioned in the article.
Q.What specific concerns have been raised regarding the influx of cheap imported meat?
What specific concerns have been raised regarding the influx of cheap imported meat?
The Dong Nai Livestock Association stated that cheap imports are pressuring the domestic industry, already struggling with African swine fever. They warned of hampered growth and potential food safety risks if strict controls are not implemented.
Q.Have any imported meat products been found to be unsafe or substandard?
Have any imported meat products been found to be unsafe or substandard?
Yes, inspections between May and September this year found over 1% of imported meat batches contained salmonella, which were subsequently disposed of. Also, 400 kilograms of undocumented frozen pork intestines and udder meat were seized in August.
Reader pulse
What's the primary impact of rising meat imports?
17,195 votes so far