Hô Chi Minh City – Vietnam is rapidly becoming a key market for European poultry, emerging as the second-largest importer in Southeast Asia in 2025, with over 56,500 tonnes of meat imported from the European Union. This surge in demand, trailing only the Philippines in the region, reflects a growing appetite for European standards of quality and a rebound in consumption following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increasing trade underscores Vietnam’s growing economic ties with Europe and its position as a significant player in the Asian poultry market.
The shift towards European poultry isn’t simply about volume. it’s about a perceived quality advantage. Consumers in Vietnam are increasingly willing to pay a premium for products they believe adhere to stricter safety and hygiene regulations. This trend is particularly noticeable in urban centers like Hanoi and Hô Chi Minh City, where disposable incomes are rising and awareness of food safety issues is growing. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for European exporters looking to capitalize on the opportunities within the Vietnam-EU trade relationship.
Poland Leads the Way in European Exports to Vietnam
While the EU as a whole is seeing increased success in the Vietnamese market, Poland has established itself as the dominant supplier. In 2025, Poland exported over 37,300 tonnes of poultry to Vietnam, significantly outpacing its European competitors. France followed with 4,900 tonnes, while Hungary, Italy, and the Netherlands contributed 4,680, 2,750, and 2,170 tonnes respectively. This concentration highlights Poland’s competitive edge in terms of price, logistics, and established trade relationships.
Dariusz Goszczyński, a representative of the European poultry sector, emphasized the strategic importance of Vietnam during a recent event in Hô Chi Minh City promoting the “European Poultry – From Farm to Table” campaign. He stated the commitment of European companies to strengthening commercial cooperation with Vietnamese partners. The campaign aims to build consumer trust and highlight the traceability and quality control measures inherent in European production processes.
A Post-Pandemic Rebound and Rising Domestic Consumption
The growth in Vietnamese poultry imports from Europe represents a significant recovery from the setbacks experienced during the 2021-2022 period, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains. Imports during those years averaged around 30,000 tonnes annually. Since 2023, however, volumes have nearly doubled, demonstrating a robust resurgence in demand. This increase is driven by both a growing domestic population and a rising middle class with increased purchasing power. According to data from Agro Monitor, chicken consumption in Vietnam rose from 29% in 2022 to 33% in 2024, indicating a clear shift in dietary preferences.
Egg consumption is also on the rise, with the average Vietnamese citizen consuming approximately 198 eggs per year. While this figure is still below the global average of 250-300 eggs, it suggests considerable potential for further growth in the egg market. This expanding demand presents opportunities for European egg producers to enter the Vietnamese market and cater to the evolving tastes of Vietnamese consumers.
Future Prospects and Polish Export Potential
Looking ahead, the outlook for European poultry exports to Vietnam remains positive. Analysts predict that Polish exports, in particular, could reach 45,000 tonnes annually, solidifying Poland’s position as the leading supplier. This growth will likely be fueled by continued economic development in Vietnam, increasing consumer confidence in European products, and ongoing efforts to strengthen trade ties between the EU and Vietnam. The Vietnamese government’s commitment to food safety and quality standards is also expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the import of European poultry.
The increasing demand for poultry in Vietnam is not limited to chicken. Imports of duck and goose meat from Europe are also experiencing growth, albeit from a smaller base. This diversification of demand presents opportunities for European producers to expand their product offerings and cater to a wider range of consumer preferences. The Vietnamese market is proving to be adaptable and receptive to a variety of European poultry products.
The success of European poultry in Vietnam is a testament to the growing importance of international trade and the increasing demand for high-quality food products in emerging markets. As Vietnam continues to integrate into the global economy, its demand for imported poultry is expected to remain strong, creating further opportunities for European exporters to expand their presence in this dynamic and promising market.
The next key development to watch will be the release of official trade statistics for the first quarter of 2026 by the Vietnamese General Statistics Office, providing a more detailed picture of the current import trends and the performance of individual European exporters.
What are your thoughts on the growing trade relationship between Vietnam and Europe? Share your comments below and let us know how you see this evolving.
