Vietnam’s feed demand trimmed but still growing

With decreases in the swine and cattle populations and an increase in local feed ingredient exports, Vietnam’s feed demand for calendar year 2026 has been revised downward in the latest report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

Though the rate of growth has slowed, the feed sector still will maintain its upward push, led by aquaculture, with total demand projected to increase from 28.3 million tonnes in 2025 to 29.2 million tonnes in 2026. These numbers are down marginally from 28.7 million tonnes and 29.5 million tonnes forecast in the August report.

Imports of feed ingredients in 2026 – including soybean meal, corn, distiller’s dried grains with solubles and feed wheat – are seen reaching 23.9 million tonnes while local supplies contribute 5.3 million tonnes.

The swine population decreased by 0.6%, as pig farming faced significant challenges due to African swine fever (ASF). The outbreak caused substantial damage, particularly to small-scale farms, while businesses and farms operating within production-linked chains remained stable by adhering to biosecurity measures. The poultry population increased by 3.7%, reflecting positive trends in the sector, but the cattle population continued to decline.

“Vietnam’s animal feed exports grew by 29% in the first eight months of 2025, with China remaining the largest market,” the FAS said. “This sharp increase in feed exports, combined with strong domestic feed demand, highlights the growing importance of Vietnam’s feed industry in both domestic and international markets.”

The forecasts for marketing year 2025-26 corn production and area have been revised slightly upward to 4.1 million tonnes and 810,000 hectares, respectively. Favorable weather conditions and the increased use of imported hybrid corn seeds slightly boosted yields, reaching an average of 5.061 tonnes per hectare, the FAS said.

To support domestic corn production, feed processing companies such as De Heus have implemented contract farming partnerships with corn farmers in the Central Highland region. This linkage model includes technical training to improve corn yields, optimize production cost, and minimize post-harvest loss.

“Their efforts aim to increase the use of domestic raw materials in the animal feed industry, which not only raises household farmers’ incomes and stabilizes corn farming in the region but also leverages the area’s advantages in land size and ecological conditions for corn cultivation,” the FAS said.

Corn consumption for 2025-26 was revised upward to 16.05 million tonnes from 15.75 million. For 2024-25, consumption remained at 15.8 million tonnes, including 14.3 million for feed and residual and 1.5 million for food, seed and industrial (FSI) consumption.

Imports are seen climbing slightly to 12.5 million tonnes in 2025-26 from 12.2 million the previous year. Argentina and Brazil remain the primary suppliers, accounting for 56% and 22% of Vietnam’s corn imports respectively.

“Lower prices for corn and DDGS have made these feed ingredients more affordable, driving increased demand among producers seeking cost-effective options,” the FAS noted.

Vietnam’s rice production is undergoing significant shifts due to economic and environmental factors. For 2025-26, the forecast harvested area is slightly revised up to 6.85 million hectares with total paddy production expected to reach 41.6 million tonnes.

The decline in paddy rice prices has negatively impacted farmers’ incomes, the FAS said, prompting many to convert rice land and diversify their operations with more profitable crops such as fruits and vegetables.

“Local contacts report that Vietnam’s rice sector is actively developing new rice varieties that combine high yield with improved quality to align with consumer preferences and compete with major exporters such as India and Thailand,” the FAS said.

The forecast for 2025-26 rice consumption and residual remained at 22.8 million tonnes in the latest report, up slightly from 22.7 million tonnes for 2024-25. Domestic consumption has been supported by celebrations of major national holidays and a growing number of international visitors to Vietnam.

The forecast for 2025-26 exports dropped to 8 million tonnes, while 2024-25 rice exports also have been trimmed to 8.1 million tonnes.

“The rice global market has become increasingly competitive following India’s removal of export restriction policies at the end of last year,” the FAS said. “Additionally, major import countries are prioritizing support for their local producers to enhance food security.”

Tags: feed wheat, exports, corn, Vietnam, Grains, Feed, soybean meal, cattle, imports, swine, demand