Vietnam’s live hog prices rebound to 50,000 dong per kilogram
Live hog prices in Vietnam have rebounded after a prolonged decline, reaching 50,000 dong per kilogram in some areas on November 12. The national average is about 48,000 dong per kilogram, still below estimated farming costs. Disease risks and rising feed prices leave farmers cautious about prices ahead of Tet.
According to traders and livestock businesses, live hog prices continued to rise in parts of Vietnam on November 12, reaching as high as 50,000 dong per kilogram. Prices were about 49,000 dong per kilogram in Hanoi, Bac Ninh and Hung Yen in the north, and 46,000–48,000 dong elsewhere in the region. They generally ranged from 46,000 to 48,000 dong in central Vietnam and the Central Highlands, and from 47,000 to 50,000 dong in the south.
The earlier sharp drop in live hog prices helped revive demand for pork.（VietVance）
Livestock businesses said the national average live hog price is now about 48,000 dong per kilogram, up 3,500–4,000 dong from the end of October. Prices remained low in many areas during September and October, at one point falling to just 38,000–40,000 dong per kilogram in some places. Industry experts estimate production costs at 55,000–59,000 dong per kilogram, depending on the farm, leaving farmers with sustained losses.
Nguyễn Kim Đoán, vice chairman of the Đồng Nai Livestock Association, said the prolonged period of low prices had prompted farmers to reduce their herds. A recent decline in pork imports and improving demand also helped push prices higher, he said. He expects demand to increase toward year-end and during Tet, lifting live hog prices further, but said they would likely remain around 60,000 dong per kilogram. Disease and rising feed prices would continue to put pressure on farmers. A representative of a southern livestock business said the overall meat supply was adequate and businesses could readily increase pork imports, making a sharp price surge unlikely.
Lower live hog prices have helped improve pork consumption in Ho Chi Minh City. About 445 tonnes of pork carcasses have recently arrived at Hóc Môn wholesale market each night, slightly above last month’s low. Average wholesale prices at the market were about 59,000 dong per kilogram for pork leg, 62,000 dong for pork chops and 97,000 dong for pork belly.
Source: VietVance
