API’s
Overview of the Veterinary API Market in Vietnam
Definition and Importance of APIs in Animal Health
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) are the biologically active components in a drug that produces the intended effect—whether curing a parasitic infection in livestock or managing chronic pain in companion animals.
In the veterinary context, APIs must be specifically tailored to species-specific metabolic rates and delivery methods (such as premixes, injectables, or oral solutions). The quality of the API directly dictates the efficacy and safety of the final treatment, making high-purity sourcing a top priority for manufacturers.
Current Market Size and Growth Trajectory (2024-2031)
The Vietnamese veterinary medicine market is projected to expand at a CAGR of approximately 9.2% through 2031. This growth is mirrored in the veterinary API market, as local formulators increase production volumes to meet domestic demand and export opportunities within the ASEAN region.
Vietnam is positioning itself as a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, leveraging competitive labor costs and an improving regulatory environment. This growth is particularly visible in the anti-infective and anti-parasitic categories, which remain the high-volume pillars of the industry.
Disease Challenges Driving Vaccine Demand
While vaccines are the primary defense, the therapeutic demand for APIs is driven by the persistent disease pressure in Vietnam’s high-density farming environment.
- Respiratory and Enteric Infections: Outbreaks of diseases like Mycoplasma or Colibacillosis in poultry and swine drive massive demand for antibiotic APIs (such as Tilmicosin or Amoxicillin).
- Parasitic Control: Vietnam’s tropical climate necessitates year-round anti-parasitic treatments for both cattle and pets, maintaining a steady demand for APIs like Ivermectin or Fipronil.
- Outbreak Mitigation: In the wake of viral outbreaks (like African Swine Fever), secondary bacterial infections are common, requiring a robust supply of high-quality therapeutic APIs to ensure flock and herd survival.
Reliable veterinary API market research services are essential for identifying these fluctuating demand cycles and ensuring that supply chains remain resilient against local disease spikes.
Competitive Landscape of the Veterinary API Market in Vietnam
Major International API Suppliers Active in Vietnam
- Exporters & Regional Hubs: Manufacturers from China and India are the dominant suppliers, providing the bulk of the generic APIs used in livestock treatments.
- Competitive Advantages: These international players compete on massive economies of scale and increasingly sophisticated quality standards (GMP) that align with Vietnamese Department of Animal Health (DAH) requirements.
Local Veterinary Pharmaceutical Companies
- Formulation Leaders: Companies like Navetco, Hanvet, and RTD lead the market in producing finished veterinary products.
- API Sourcing Strategies: These firms are increasingly seeking higher-grade APIs to improve the stability of their products, often looking toward European or premium Asian suppliers to differentiate their premium lines from low-cost generics.
Distributor & Trading Company Ecosystem
- Role of Intermediaries: Because direct sourcing from overseas manufacturers can be logistically challenging for smaller formulators, specialized API trading companies manage the importation, warehousing, and local distribution.
- Pricing & Margin Dynamics: Competition among traders is fierce, with margins often squeezed by price volatility in raw materials and fluctuating shipping costs. Understanding these dynamics is a core component of veterinary API market research services in Vietnam.
Discover the opportunities
API Market Dynamics for Livestock Medicines: Price, Supply, and Regulation
Leveraging Marketing Intelligence to Secure API Supply Chains
From Import to Innovation: The Role of APIs in Veterinary Pharma
Our Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnam dependent on imported veterinary APIs?
Yes, Vietnam currently imports over 80% of its veterinary APIs. While the country has strong formulation capabilities, the basic chemical synthesis of APIs remains concentrated in global manufacturing hubs like China, India, and Europe.
What APIs are most regulated in Vietnam?
Antibiotics (specifically those used in both human and animal medicine) are under the strictest scrutiny. The DAH is increasingly restricting certain “critically important” antimicrobials to combat antibiotic resistance.
How long does veterinary API registration take?
The registration of a new API as part of a finished product dossier can take between 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the molecule and the completeness of the technical dossier.
Can foreign companies directly supply APIs to Vietnam?
Foreign companies can export APIs to Vietnam, but they typically work through a licensed local importer or distributor who holds the necessary “Certificate of Eligibility for Veterinary Drug Import” to clear customs and manage local compliance.
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Why choose Alau Vietnam?
At Alau Vietnam, we support international companies in their entry, growth, and long-term success in Vietnam. Through a combination of market entry consulting, market intelligence, regulatory & compliance expertise, and operational support services, we make expansion in Vietnam smooth, compliant, and results-driven. We combine deep local knowledge with international working standards, ensuring clear communication, structured execution, and reliable outcomes. Our multilingual team (Dutch, French, English, and Vietnamese) bridges cultural and business barriers, enabling faster decisions and more efficient implementation. Whether you need tailored market insights, product registrations and approvals, ongoing compliance support, payroll and bookkeeping, or a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) partner; we deliver end-to-end solutions aligned with your business goals. Our mission is simple: to help international companies enter and scale in Vietnam efficiently and sustainably; while we manage the complexities on the ground.
What makes Vietnam attractive?
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding economies. With a young population, increasing consumer spending power, and a strategic geographic position, Vietnam offers exceptional opportunities for international companies looking to grow in Asia. Competitive operating costs, a stable political environment, and a business climate that welcomes foreign investment make Vietnam a highly attractive market for long-term expansion. In addition, Vietnam is strongly integrated into global trade through major Free Trade Agreements such as EVFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP, creating easier market access, reduced tariffs, and improved competitiveness for exporters and manufacturers. For companies aiming to access the wider ASEAN region, Vietnam is the ideal gateway; combining growth potential, strategic advantage, and economic stability.
How we support with all your regulatory needs?
Vietnam’s regulatory landscape is detailed, diverse, and varies across industries. Different product categories follow different approval pathways, documentation formats, and authority oversight; and local representation is required for most registrations and renewals. Navigating these requirements without local expertise can lead to delays, rejections, and increased costs. At Alau Vietnam, we manage the full regulatory and compliance process across sectors; ensuring dossiers meet national standars, handling communication with authorities, and even holding registrations on behalf of our clients when needed. We reduce complexity, accelerate approvals, and help you achieve faster, compliant market access in Vietnam.
What are our capabilities?
At Alau Vietnam, we combine deep local market knowledge with international standards to support successful business expansion in Vietnam. Our capabilities cover the full journey; from market analysis to execution and ongoing compliance. We provide: Market Entry Support – strategy, opportunity assessment, partner search, business setup. Market Intelligence & Insights – industry research, trend analysis, competitor mapping, customer insights. Regulatory & Compliance Management – dossier preparation, approvals, authority communication, and the ability to hold registrations. Operational & Administrative Support – EOR, payroll, bookkeeping, and accounting for smooth day-to-day operations. What sets us apart: Multilingual team (Dutch, French, English, Vietnamese), strong authority relationships, and a hands-on execution approach with a European mindset.
How does Alau Vietnam work with clients and deliver support?
We operate as your local execution partner in Vietnam; combining strategic guidance with hands-on operational support. Our approach is collaborative, transparent, and result-focused. We take the time to understand your goals, align with your processes, and tailor our support to your business needs. From market entry evaluation and intelligence research to regulatory compliance and operational support, we manage the details on the ground so you can focus on strategy and growth. With clear communication, structured processes, and international working standards, we make doing business in Vietnam straightforward, predictable, and compliant.