National pork board targets Vietnam market for U.S. pork
The National Pork Board (NPB) is set to boost U.S. pork exports by joining the USDA Agricultural Trade Mission to Vietnam in mid-September.
This mission, spanning Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, will see NPB President Al Wulfekuhle participating to explore new opportunities and strengthen industry connections.
Vietnam, forecasted to be the 11th-largest consumer market globally by 2030, presents significant potential for U.S. pork.
The country's population is expected to reach 80 million, and pork is the most consumed protein, with a per capita intake of 66.1 pounds.
Recent outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) have disrupted domestic pork supplies, leading to a 44% increase in pork imports this year compared to last.
However, the U.S. is not the leading exporter to Vietnam, trailing behind Brazil, the European Union, Canada, and Russia. Additionally, without a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Vietnam, U.S. pork faces higher tariffs than those from FTA-partnered countries.
The mission aims to build strong, dependable relationships with Vietnamese importers and gain valuable insights into local consumer preferences.
“We’re developing reliable partners that will buy pork from us year after year that we can depend on, and they can depend on us. That’s really what the U.S. pig industry needs: reliable partners with a lot of trust and that’s why we do trade missions,” Al said.
NPB’s strategy focuses on distinguishing U.S. pork from competitors and expanding its presence in Vietnam. The upcoming trade mission will provide critical insights and help shape future strategies to enhance U.S. pork’s market position in this growing economy.