Vietnamese markets are seeing surprising trends this season, from luxury fruits like kiwis sold for as low as 20,000 VND/kg to discounted seasonal specialties.

1. Kiwis at a shockingly low price of 20,000 VND/kg

Once considered a luxury fruit, kiwis in Vietnam usually sell for 120,000-200,000 VND/kg. However, Chinese kiwis are now flooding the market, with some sellers listing 10kg boxes for just 200,000 VND (20,000 VND/kg).

Despite their low price, some vendors falsely label them as premium Zespri kiwis from New Zealand. Compared to authentic New Zealand or Australian kiwis, Chinese kiwis are less sweet and aromatic.

2. Dried Chinese greens rebranded as premium delicacies

Dried vegetables from China, marketed as premium “imperial greens,” are being sold at exorbitant prices in Vietnamese markets.

While domestically grown greens are cultivated in provinces like Nam Dinh and Nghe An, distinguishing them from Chinese imports is difficult. These dried vegetables are priced at 400,000-550,000 VND/kg, often packaged in 200-500g portions for retail.

3. Kumquat trees fetching early deposits

Tet kumquat trees from Hanoi’s Tu Lien Ward are already attracting wholesale buyers. Prices range from 500,000-600,000 VND for standard trees, while bonsai kumquats can fetch up to 25-30 million VND.

4. Pork prices soar as Tet approaches

With rising demand for Tet, live pig prices have increased to 64,000-68,000 VND/kg, peaking at 71,000 VND/kg in some regions. This surge has allowed large farming enterprises to profit significantly.

5. Plum blossoms from the Northwest for only 5,000 VND

Once a luxury, Northwest plum blossoms are now a popular alternative to traditional Tet flowers. Once sold for millions of dong per branch, they are now available for just 5,000 VND each.

6. Rươi prices drop by half

Rươi (a seasonal specialty often called "earth dragon") used to cost up to 500,000 VND/kg due to its rarity. However, this year, prices have plunged to 250,000 VND/kg as exports to China have slowed.

Yen, a vendor in Hanoi, noted: “This year, rươi prices are historically low. I sell rươi from Tứ Kỳ and Thanh Hà in Hải Dương for 230,000-300,000 VND/kg. Demand is so high that I move several hundred kilograms daily.”

7. Early Tet beer price cuts

Beer prices, which usually spike before Tet, have surprisingly dropped. Supermarkets and commercial centers are offering discounts of tens of thousands of dong per box.

Despite this, sales remain sluggish due to strict penalties for drinking and driving, as well as competitive pricing in supermarkets compared to traditional outlets.

8. Sky-high Tet flight tickets

Although airlines have offered over 7 million seats for Tet 2025, ticket prices remain exorbitantly high. Domestic routes such as HCMC-Hanoi, HCMC-Da Nang, and HCMC-Vinh are priced between 2.5-3.7 million VND/one-way ticket, leaving many passengers frustrated.

 
Hanh Nguyen