The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is pushing for full tariff elimination and the removal of restrictive non-tariff barriers on meat imports in Vietnam as part of any trade deal agreed between Vietnam and the US, according to a statement published by the National Hog Farmer→view source.
Key points raised:
- Tariff disadvantage: U.S. frozen pork faces a 10 percent tariff, while Russia, Canada and CPTPP suppliers enjoy zero duties.
- Non-tariff barriers: Strict facility registration rules, extra paperwork demands and a zero-tolerance salmonella standard hamper market access.
- Market potential: USMEF estimates exports could reach US$25–30 million annually if restrictions are eased, up from US$9.3 million last year.
- Price sensitivity: Vietnam is highly price-conscious and accepts pork from ASF-affected countries, making competitive pricing critical.
- Administrative obstacles: New facility approvals have stalled since May 2024 due to extra data demands from Vietnam’s Department of Animal Husbandry.
All of that is to say, USMEF looks to be joining a chorus of business groups looking to leverage Trump’s trade deal to gain greater Vietnam market access.
Incidentally, US pork producers were among the biggest losers when the US withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement, which allowed key competitors like Australia and Canada to benefit from reduced pork import tariffs just as African swine fever took hold in Vietnam.
See also: How African Swine Fever is Reshaping Vietnam’s Pork Market