According to Lao Dong on July 14, fresh pork prices in Ho Chi Minh City are over 100,000 VND. Accordingly, pork belly ranges from 150,000-170,000 VND/kg, baby back ribs from 180,000-200,000 VND/kg, lean pork 140,000 - 150,000 VND/kg...

“With this price, I only import goods at a moderate level because buyers will be more calculating in spending money on meat for daily meals,” said Ms. Nguyen Bich Lien, a trader at Hoa Binh market (District 5).

Supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City such as Co.op Mart, MM Mega Market, Emart... all have promotions and discounts for pork products, so the prices are more favorable than traditional markets, ranging from 110,000-255,000 VND/kg (depending on the type).

Meanwhile, imported pork selling points in Tan Phu and Tan Binh districts have quite cheap prices, pork leg costs 60,000 VND/kg, pork shoulder costs 75,000 VND/kg, pork chops cost 78,000 VND/kg, lean pork belly costs 85,000 VND/kg... However, these items have quite low purchasing power.

“Although imported pork is cheap, people in Ho Chi Minh City still choose fresh pork. Most restaurants order imported pork because it is cheap and looks good,” said an employee at an imported pork store in Tan Phu district.

Regarding the appearance of cheap imported pork in the market, the Vietnam Livestock Association said that this has a great impact on the pig farming industry. At the same time, there is concern that imported products of poor quality will affect the health of consumers.

In spontaneous markets, the price of fresh pork is 20-30% cheaper than in traditional markets because there is no tax and no management board.

However, fresh pork at these points of sale often does not guarantee traceability, quality and food hygiene and safety.

“I often come home late from work, so I sometimes stop by spontaneous vendors near my workplace to buy meat and vegetables. The meat here is usually 30,000-40,000 VND cheaper than the stalls in the market, but the meat is not as fresh,” said Ms. Le Phuong Thao (living in District 12).

According to the Dong Nai Livestock Association, this is the low season for consumption and the rainy season, so the pork market is sluggish. However, an important reason is that African swine fever is raging, and farmers are worried and do not dare to restock.

Speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Le Chi Bao - Head of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine of Ho Chi Minh City (Department) said that Ho Chi Minh City has a plan and is strengthening the control of animal diseases, including African swine fever.

“Pork from other provinces must pass through traffic quarantine stations when entering the city. In addition to checking the origin, quantity, and documents according to regulations, we also require disinfection of all means of transport to prevent pathogens. If there are signs, the authorities will take samples for testing and so far there have been no incidents,” said Mr. Bao.