Reasons for the sharp increase in pork prices.

In less than half a month, live pig prices have continuously increased sharply and officially reached 80,000 VND/kg, the highest level in over a year. This upward trend has occurred faster than predicted, leading to continuous adjustments in pork prices at local markets and supermarkets.

According to observations by the reporter.   On January 26th, in the North, the price of live pork reached 80,000 VND/kg in Hanoi and Bac Ninh; many provinces in the midland and mountainous regions maintained a price of 79,000 VND/kg. The Central and Central Highlands regions kept prices at 75,000-78,000 VND/kg, while the South was at 73,000-76,000 VND/kg.

Pork prices are "increasing daily".

Compared to 10 days ago, the price of live pigs has generally increased by 5,000-8,000 VND/kg, with some areas experiencing even sharper increases. This development contradicts predictions made earlier this month, when many believed that the price of live pigs during the period leading up to Tet would only increase by about 10% and would hardly exceed 78,000 VND/kg.

Pork prices are continuously rising every day.

At supermarkets, similar price increases have occurred, with some chilled pork and processed meat products seeing a 5-10% increase compared to the beginning of the month, even though retailers are still trying to keep prices stable through price stabilization programs and rotating promotions.

Ms. Thu Hang (Ha Dong ward, Hanoi) shared that meat prices are increasing every day, especially pork belly and ribs. "Just last week, I bought pork belly for 170,000 VND/kg, and now it's up to 180,000 VND/kg. Prices at the supermarket are increasing more slowly, but they're not cheap anymore either. I have to plan very carefully for Tet shopping this year," Ms. Hang said.

Is the forecast for further increases still present?

Talk with According to PV , Mr. Nguyen Van Tue - Deputy General Director of Dabaco - believes that the increase in pork prices to around 80,000 VND/kg is due to the strong increase in food consumption leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), while livestock farming this year has been affected by storms, floods, and localized disease outbreaks in some areas.

However, according to Mr. Tue, compared to the previous peak period (when the price of live pigs exceeded 100,000 VND/kg), the current price level is still acceptable. "High pork prices are not beneficial to consumers. The important thing is that the market must be stable, avoiding rapid increases that disrupt supply and demand," he said.

Mr. Nguyen Nhu Anh, Director of Vissan Northern Region, said that the company had prepared its Tet holiday goods well in advance, but this year's purchasing power tends to be more cautious than last year. According to Mr. Anh, consumers are no longer stockpiling for long periods, but are focusing their purchases on the two peak weeks before Tet.

"The increase in pork prices does not necessarily mean a corresponding increase in purchasing power at the retail system. Businesses must carefully balance the supply while minimizing the impact of price increases on consumers," Mr. Anh said.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Pham Kim Dang, Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment , said that the recent increase in pork prices is a normal market development and does not reflect a shortage of supply.

According to Mr. Dang, at the end of the year, the demand for food, especially pork, always increases by about 10% compared to other times of the year due to the need for stockpiling and processing to serve the Lunar New Year.

Regarding supply, Mr. Dang affirmed that the total livestock population nationwide continues to grow. The total pig population currently stands at approximately 31.4 million head, an increase of 0.4% compared to the same period last year; livestock production generally meets consumer demand.

Responding to a question about whether businesses are hoarding goods to drive up prices, the head of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine stated that, through regular monitoring of prices, production, and supply via reports from businesses and localities, the authorities have not yet observed any instances of hoarding.

"If any unusual signs appear, the regulatory agency will promptly issue warnings and take corrective measures," Mr. Dang informed.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/ly-do-gia-thit-heo-tang-manh-3394488.html