Pork prices have surged dramatically.

Pork prices across the country have risen sharply this week, especially in the South, reaching 80,000 VND per kilogram, a 40% increase compared to the same period last year.

According to livestock associations, live pig prices in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Ben Tre, and Tra Vinh have increased by 1,000-2,000 VND per kilogram to 79,000 VND, an 11% increase in the past two weeks and a 40% increase compared to the same period last year. In Dong Nai , traders are seeking to buy live pigs at 80,000 VND per kilogram, but supply is limited.

In the North, pork prices fluctuated between 72,000 and 74,000 VND per kilogram, with the highest prices recorded in Hanoi , Bac Giang, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Thai Binh. Meanwhile, in the Central and Central Highlands regions, live pig prices also surged to 72,000-78,000 VND per kilogram.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai 's pig farm. Photo: Thi Ha

Hoc Mon wholesale market reported that the number of pigs imported on the night of February 26th reached over 4,200, but this was still down about 2,000 compared to before the Lunar New Year. The price of pork from CP Company reached 74,500 VND per kilogram for grade 1, while pork from farmers was sold at a price ranging from 70,000 to 80,000 VND.

The escalating price of live pigs has led to an increase of 5,000-10,000 VND per kilogram in the price of pork cuts at wholesale markets compared to last week, bringing the price of pork ribs to 160,000 VND per kilogram and pork belly to 125,000 VND.

According to Mr. Nguyen Kim Doan, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Livestock Association, the rapid increase in pork prices is mainly due to a decrease in supply. In Dong Nai alone, more than 305 farms have had to relocate to the Central Highlands, causing a shortage of supply in that region. The outbreaks of African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, and diarrhea since the beginning of 2024 have further pushed supply to its lowest level in five years. The market outlook remains unpredictable, and if authorities allow the import of live pigs from abroad, it could further disrupt supply and demand.

The Long An Department of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that farms and livestock breeders have begun restocking after the Lunar New Year, but unstable weather conditions could increase the risk of disease outbreaks.

Ms. Le Thi Mai Khanh, Head of the Long An Department of Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries, advised people to apply biosecurity measures in livestock farming, proactively vaccinate their animals, and strengthen monitoring to minimize the risk of disease outbreaks.

According to forecasts by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), pork consumption in Vietnam could reach 4 million tons in 2025, a 3.3% increase compared to the previous year. However, the fact that the disease is not yet fully controlled and the high cost of restocking herds could create many challenges for domestic supply.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/gia-heo-hoi-tang-dot-bien-3345893.html