Live pig prices increase, Ho Chi Minh City retail market remains stable
Records in the first days of January at traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City such as Ba Chieu, Tan Dinh, Pham Van Hai... show that the supply of pork is quite abundant, purchasing power is stable. Retail prices have increased slightly according to live pig prices, but no shortage or strong fluctuations have appeared.
Ms. Nguyen Huong - a small trader selling pork said: "The source of goods is still regular, every day I take enough to sell, I don't see a shortage of goods yet. At this time, purchasing power is not high, so the price is still maintained at an acceptable level" - Ms. Huong shared.
According to traders, for about the past month, live pig prices across the country have continuously increased, averaging more than 15,000 VND/kg. In the South, despite stable supply, live pig prices have also increased to 62,000 - 69,000 VND/kg.
Mr. Nguyen Kim Doan - Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Livestock Association, said that in December 2025, live pig prices increased almost daily. The main reason is local supply shortages, affected by unusual rains and floods and epidemics. The price increase started in the northern provinces, then spread throughout the country. In addition, the prolonged sharp drop in live pig prices from around March has made farmers hesitant to restock, affecting the supply at the end of the year.
However, according to the Chairman of the Dong Nai Livestock Association, there will be no shortage of food supply during Tet. Although the past time has been affected by weather and storms, with the regulation of businesses and traders and the restoration of livestock in many localities, the supply of pork and essential food items is still guaranteed. He also advised livestock farmers from now until Tet not to be subjective, even though the weather is relatively favorable when rain and storms have decreased; it is necessary to strengthen epidemic prevention measures, especially during the hot season, and at the same time apply high-tech livestock breeding to limit risks.
No "price fever"
Although live pig prices are increasing rapidly, management agencies and industry associations all affirm that the supply of pork to serve the Tet market in Ho Chi Minh City is basically stable. According to the Dong Nai Livestock Association, besides domestic supply, imported pork continues to play an important role in stabilizing the market, contributing to limiting the price increase momentum.
Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Phuong - Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, said that the market is not short of pork; Vietnam not only meets domestic demand but also exports to many countries. However, he noted the long-term risk if the domestic livestock industry does not have a fundamental development strategy, which may lead to dependence on imports.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vo Thanh Giau - Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Agriculture and Environment, said that after the merger, the expansion of land funds and farm systems from Binh Duong, Ba Ria - Vung Tau has helped Ho Chi Minh City significantly increase local supply. Currently, about 60% of agricultural products serving the Tet market are guaranteed from the city's domestic sources, the rest comes from other provinces and cities.
Regarding pork, farms in Ho Chi Minh City have proactively increased herds, stockpiled goods, and are ready to meet the increased demand during Tet. Along with that, relevant departments and agencies are coordinating to deploy safe food supply chains, ensuring quality and food safety and hygiene, contributing to maintaining market stability at the end of the year.
