Livestock and Products Production Update 2004 - Vietnam

Pork production

The swine/pork sector receives the most attention (and funds) in MARD’s plans. Vietnam’s hog to lean pork meat ratio has increased from 40-42% in 1996-2000 to about 45 percent today. This yield improvement is due to use of more hybrids and exotic swine breeding stock, and use of better quality feeds. Because of the Government’s animal breeding program, the ratio of hybrid and exotic swine to lower-yielding traditional breeds has increased to 70-80%, much higher than that level of 50-60% in 1996. The Feed Conversion Rate (FCR – kilograms of feed to produce one kg of hog live weight) has also improved from 3.5-3.8 in 1996 to about 3.0-3.2 in 2003.

Vietnam’s 2003 pork production is estimated at 1,795 tmt (live weight), 8.5% higher than 2002’s production (see Table 4) due to higher hog numbers and higher average slaughter weights. Pork is the most important animal protein source in the Vietnamese diet. Pork is mainly consumed as fresh (straight from the market) meat, as processed pork (canned meat or prepared sausages) or imported pork products (canned hams) are not widely available in Vietnam.

Domestic pork prices

Exchange rate: Vietnamese Dong (VND) 15,700 equal to $1 as of Feb. 3, 2004

In 2003, domestic pork prices decreased in both Northern and Southern provinces as production expanded, exports slowed, and consumption did not increase as quickly as expected. In late 2003, pork prices (live weight) were quoted at VND 10,500-12,500 / kg in Northern provinces and VND 11,000-12,500/kg in Southern provinces (see Table 4). Pork farmers were complaining as the break-even threshold price is estimated at VND 11,000/kg; most farmers only have profits if the price is over VND 13,000/kg.

Table 4: Vietnam’s 2003 Average
Monthly Swine Prices (live weight). Unit: VND/kg

Source: MARD

Further Information

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Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service - 5th February 2004