More than 2.3 million households—around 10 per cent of the Vietnamese population—rely on small-scale cattle raising as part of their overall livelihood strategy. This economically and socially important sector is currently facing significant challenges due to a combination of supply and demand pressures, both domestically and internationally. On the demand side, Vietnam has seen a 35 per cent surge in domestic beef consumption over the past decade, driven by a growing population and rising incomes. However, this increased demand has not been met by supply from domestic production, as smallholder farmers, who traditionally have been the backbone of Vietnam’s cattle industry, struggle with low productivity and profitability. The reliance on traditional farming methods, limited access to modern technology, and rising costs of feed and labour have made it difficult for these farmers to compete.
International trade dynamics have further exacerbated these challenges, particularly with Vietnam’s growing reliance on imported beef and buffalo meat to meet domestic demand. Vietnam has been increasingly sourcing beef from countries like Australia, the USA, and Brazil, where advanced farming practices and economies of scale result in higher quality and often cheaper meat. At the same time, Vietnam has significantly increased imports of frozen buffalo meat from India, which, while not benefiting from the same advanced farming practices, is still highly competitive in price at the low end of the market
These imports have flooded the Vietnamese market, intensifying competition and putting additional pressure on local producers. The combination of rising beef and buffalo imports, increased imports of slaughter cattle from Thailand and domestic production challenges has left the smallholder cattle sector in a precarious position, struggling to maintain viability in an increasingly competitive and globalised market. Many smallholders have been forced to reduce their herd sizes or exit the industry altogether, leading to a decline in the smallholder cattle sector.
Based on an extensive set of consultations with public and private sector stakeholders across Northern, Central and Southern Vietnam, our latest collaborative publication with the Institute for Policy and Strategy in Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD-Vietnam ) looks at the policy implications of these rapid changes in the sector. The report also looks at the policy balancing act necessary to support a sector that brings livelihood benefits to around 10 million of Vietnam’s poorest citizens, while at the same time meeting nutritional demands, food safety considerations and mitigating the environmental impact of livestock production. The report and other project publications can be accessed on the Asia Beef Network website.
Some of the key issues impacting the sector in 2024 that are discussed in the report include:
- Domestic production challenges: Despite various incentive policies, the economic efficiency of beef cattle farming remains low compared to pigs and poultry, leading to a reduction in beef cattle herds. The country’s livestock farming is still largely small-scale, with limited adoption of high technology in farming and slaughtering processes.
- Changing consumption patterns: Beef and buffalo meat are popular protein sources in Vietnam, but the pandemic has led to a change in consumption patterns. In common with several other Southeast Asian countries, consumers are gradually shifting from “hot meat” (meat sourced daily from the wet market) to “cool meat” (chilled or frozen products) particularly in urban areas, driven by concerns about food safety and quality. Combined with improvements in cold chain technology, this has led to longer and more complex value chains that can include imported products.
- Trade policy changes: Vietnamese producers face high competition from importers due to the tariff reduction path of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Additionally, China’s tightened management of cross-border exports and source traceability has led to a redirection of imported products towards consumption in Vietnam – especially cattle from Myanmar and Thailand and frozen buffalo meat from India.
Policy Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, several policy recommendations for the Vietnamese government were discussed during a policy roundtable convened in Hanoi on May 24th, 2024:
- Developing more targeted support for small-scale household farming: Small-scale farming requires multifaceted support, including efficient and safe feeding practices, access to land and capital, and the development of integrated supply chains. Agricultural extension services and vocational training should focus on enhancing farmers’ skills in applying technology and improving production efficiency. Coherent policies across production, market access, and import/export regulations are necessary to support domestic livestock producers.
- Promoting sustainable farming practices: The government should prioritise supporting sustainable farming practices, such as improved manure management, rotational grazing, and promote further research into the use of feed additives that reduce methane emissions. These practices can be encouraged through incentives, training, and the dissemination of best practices.
- Enhancing cattle breeds and technology adoption: Prioritising cattle breeds with premium quality and efficient rearing characteristics, such as the Sind or Zebu crossbreeds, can enhance production efficiency. Establishing identification codes for livestock farms and promoting the adoption of advanced farming technologies are crucial for improving productivity and product quality.
- Promoting investments in large-scale efficient livestock projects: Attracting investments in large-scale livestock projects is essential for the sector’s development. However, it is important to implement stringent controls to mitigate environmental pollution and minimise risks associated with disease outbreaks.
- Enhancing quality control of beef and cattle products: Strict quality control measures and traceability is necessary for both imported and domestic livestock products at all stages of the value chain, from farming to distribution. Ensuring the control of imported products of unknown origin and quality is essential for fair competition and consumer safety.
- Exploring alternative protein sources for nutrition: As part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance food security, Vietnam should explore and promote the development of alternative protein sources as part of a protein supply mix including livestock. Plant-based proteins, such as soybeans and legumes, along with innovative options like insect protein and algae, present a viable solution to meet the country’s nutritional needs while reducing reliance on traditional animal agriculture. These alternatives offer significant advantages, including potentially lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced land and water use, and decreased dependence on imported feed.
Associate Professor Dominic Smith (member of the Griffith Asia Institute).
Please click here to view the full report titled “Preliminary evidence and policy implications of rapid transformations in beef and cattle trading and consumption in Vietnam” by Dr Nguyen Anh Phong, MA. Nguyen Thi Hong Thanh, MA. Le Vu Ngoc Kien, MA. Bui Hong Nhung, MA. Pham Thi Thanh Hang, Dr Rodd Dyer, MA. Le Thi Hang Nga, Dr Galey Tezin and Associate Professor Dominic Smith.
