Exporters expand British pork trade in Vietnam

BRITISH – British pork exporters are moving to strengthen their position in Southeast Asia through a trade mission in Vietnam organised by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) with support from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

The three-day programme involved meetings in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where exporters were introduced to industry contacts and potential buyers.

The initiative followed recently published data for the first half of 2025 showing that UK red meat exports, including offal, rose nearly 10 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching a value of about US$1.22 billion.

According to AHDB, pork exports alone generated an additional US$61 per head in 2024, highlighting the importance of external markets for the British pig sector.

Although sales of pig meat to Vietnam in the first half of 2025 amounted to just US$86,000, AHDB has identified the country as a market with room for expansion.

A key focus during the mission was on offal products, which have limited demand in the UK but are more widely consumed in Vietnam.

Susan Stewart, head of international trade development at AHDB, said the organisation has export-approved plants ready to supply the Vietnamese market and intends to build on this by diversifying exports across different parts of Southeast Asia.

She added that understanding consumer preferences and building in-market connections are essential if British pig meat is to grow in value in the region.

Expanding regional presence

The Vietnam trade mission forms part of AHDB’s wider strategy to promote international trade in red meat and dairy.

Other measures in the programme include participating in international exhibitions, hosting overseas buyers in the UK and supporting work around market access.

Stewart said AHDB will continue working alongside government and industry to ensure British exporters can take advantage of available opportunities.

She noted that levy payers in the sector value the ongoing export initiatives, which are seen as a way to secure long-term growth for the industry.

The mission to Vietnam signals that British exporters are not only focusing on established destinations but are also targeting new and developing markets across Asia.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.