This year, post-Tet vegetable prices have dropped to unprecedented lows, with some traders struggling to make even 100,000 VND (around $4) per market session.

Tran Lieu, a vendor at My Dinh Market (Hanoi), shared with An Ninh Thu Do: "I've never seen vegetables this cheap after Tet."

The significant price drop is attributed to favorable weather conditions throughout the season, which allowed for optimal crop growth. Following Typhoon No. 3 in September 2024, many farmers replanted crops in preparation for Tet, unaware that prices would plummet.

A survey conducted at various traditional markets found vegetables selling at half the price compared to previous years:

4 kohlrabi for 10,000 VND ($0.40)

Cabbage: 5,000 VND ($0.20) per kg

Various greens (bok choy, mustard greens, water celery): 10,000 VND ($0.40) per kg

Watercress: 20,000 VND ($0.80) per bundle

Large cauliflower: 15,000 VND ($0.60) each

Tomatoes: 8,000 VND ($0.32) per kg

Enoki mushrooms: 15,000 VND ($0.60) per pack

Pineapple: 15,000–20,000 VND ($0.60–$0.80) each

These prices are significantly lower than in early December 2024 (Lunar calendar) and nearly 50% below the same period in previous years.

Pork prices surge unexpectedly in Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike previous years, pork prices at traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City have increased by 7,000–8,000 VND ($0.28–$0.32) per kg post-Tet, despite the usual decline after the peak holiday demand.

Traders at Phu Nhuan and Ba Chieu markets (Binh Thanh District) told Tri Thuc – Znews that while pork prices surged before Tet due to high demand, they have yet to return to normal levels.

Current market prices include:

Pork belly: 170,000–180,000 VND ($6.80–$7.20) per kg

Baby back ribs: 200,000 VND ($8) per kg

Nguyen Kim Doan, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Livestock Association, explained that unlike in previous years, pork supply remains limited due to disease outbreaks in the industry.

Premium durian drops to $1.60 per kg

Once a luxury fruit in Vietnam, premium-grade durian typically sells for 160,000–250,000 VND ($6.40–$10) per kg when bought whole, with durian flesh reaching 400,000–850,000 VND ($16–$34) per kg.

However, during the Tet holiday, premium export-quality durian - normally destined for the Chinese market -flooded online fruit markets in Hanoi at surprisingly low prices.

Wholesale sellers are offering "Grade A" durian at clearance prices of 350,000–390,000 VND ($14–$15.60) per box (containing 3–4 durians, weighing 8–10 kg total).

This bulk pricing means each kilogram costs as little as 40,000 VND ($1.60). Orders are only accepted by the box, with delivery fees within Hanoi ranging from 10,000–35,000 VND ($0.40–$1.40) per order.

Vietnamese rice prices hit a historic low

After months of leading global rice prices, Vietnamese rice has now dropped to its lowest price in Asia.

According to the Vietnam Food Association (VFA), as of February 7, the 5% broken rice export price fell to $399 per ton, making it cheaper than Thai rice ($32 lower), Indian rice ($14 lower), and Pakistani rice ($5 lower).

This is a rare occurrence, as Vietnamese rice traditionally competes with Thai rice in quality and pricing, while typically selling at a premium over Indian and Pakistani rice.

Gerbera flowers see price spike on the God of Wealth Day

On the 10th day of the Lunar New Year (God of Wealth Day), gerbera flower prices surged in Ho Chi Minh City, increasing 4–5 times their usual cost.

According to a VTC News survey, prices began climbing from the 8th day of Tet, jumping from 8,000–10,000 VND ($0.32–$0.40) per flower to 16,000–20,000 VND ($0.64–$0.80) per flower on the 10th day.

Many flower vendors reported selling out early in the morning. Buyers looking to purchase five gerbera flowers for worship had to pay 100,000 VND ($4), significantly more than the usual 20,000–25,000 VND ($0.80–$1) per bundle.

Snow apricot flowers remain in high demand post-Tet

Unlike many flowers that see post-Tet price drops, snow apricot flowers have become the most sought-after floral product in the market.

With their delicate white petals and slender branches, snow apricot flowers remain popular even after the Lunar New Year celebrations.

According to Suc Khoe Doi Song, vendors report continued strong demand despite higher post-Tet prices due to limited supply.

Hanh, a flower shop owner in Hanoi, stated: "Snow apricot flowers are still selling well. Customers can choose between wild snow apricot branches and company-cultivated ones. Wild snow apricot branches cost 100,000 VND ($4) per bundle, while company-grown ones are 180,000 VND ($7.20) per bundle.

Compared to pre-Tet prices, snow apricot flowers are now 50,000–70,000 VND ($2–$2.80) more per bundle due to supply shortages.

Hanh Nguyen