Live pig prices have surged, while pork prices remain high.

By the end of 2024, the average price of live pigs was 63,000 - 65,000 VND/kg, a level considered good and meeting the profit expectations of pig farmers.

During the Lunar New Year period, live pig prices edged up slightly, around 66,000 - 68,000 VND/kg. Typically, this is the time when demand for pork increases, causing prices to rise; after the holiday, demand decreases, and pig prices return to normal.

However, this year, since the Lunar New Year, the price of live pigs has continuously increased. In particular, as of this morning (February 19th), the price of live pigs has reached a new peak in all three regions. Accordingly, 74,000 VND/kg is currently the highest price recorded on the market.

In Nghe An, the price of live pigs is fluctuating between 70,000 and 72,000 VND/kg. At this price, pig farmers and farms are making a decent profit.

Mr. Ho Sau (An Hoa commune, Quynh Luu district) said: “These 20 pigs were supposed to be sold during Tet (Lunar New Year). However, due to an unexpected event, we couldn't sell them in time. On the 15th day of the first lunar month, when I called traders, they only bought 5 pigs, and the remaining 15 were sold on February 18th at 69,000 VND/kg. I didn't think the price of pork after Tet would be so high.”

By raising pigs in a continuous rotational system, Nguyen Ba Binh's pig farm (Thanh Chuong district) always has pigs ready for market at various times of the year. In 2024, pig prices gradually increased, fluctuating between 60,000 and 64,000 VND/kg. At this price, according to Mr. Binh, farmers are making a profit. Therefore, the 2024 Tet holiday is considered a "big win" for many pig farmers.

However, unexpectedly, after Tet (Lunar New Year), the price of live pigs has been continuously increasing and is predicted to rise even further. "After the full moon, when collective kitchens resume operation, the demand for pork will increase significantly. At that time, the price of live pigs will continue to rise," Mr. Binh predicted.

Rising pork prices have driven up the price of commercial pork at markets. According to surveys, as of now, pork prices at local markets range from 130,000 to 160,000 VND/kg (an increase of 10,000-20,000 VND/kg); pork prices at organic food stores and supermarkets range from 170,000 to 200,000 VND/kg.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Mui (residing in Nam Xuan commune, Nam Dan district), who sells pork at Hung Dung market (Vinh City), said: “The price of live pigs has increased sharply, so the price of pork cuts from slaughterhouses has also risen. Many types, such as ribs, pork jowl, and good quality pork belly, are now priced similarly to beef. Meat prices have increased, but demand is slow. Because meat is expensive, people are considering switching to other food products.”

Explaining the sharp increase in live pig prices after Tet (Lunar New Year), the Department of Animal Husbandry stated that the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi prevented many pig farms in the North from restocking. Meanwhile, outbreaks of African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease in 2024 further reduced the pig population, exacerbating the shortage. Currently, traders from the North are aggressively collecting pigs to transport to the South for consumption, further narrowing the supply.

According to the Department of Animal Husbandry, although live pig prices are rising sharply, this situation will not last. Farmers, seeing favorable prices, will quickly restock their herds, supply will increase again, and live pig prices will cool down.