Once considered a premium import, Chilean cherries are now being sold at record-low prices in Vietnam, plummeting by 50% compared to pre-Tet levels.

For the past two weeks, online marketplaces and fruit vendors have been offering Chilean cherries for as low as VND 90,000–100,000 ($3.50–$4) per kg when purchased in bulk (5 kg boxes). Retail buyers can find cherries priced between VND 120,000–130,000 ($4.75–$5.15) per kg.

According to fruit sellers in Hanoi, the sharp drop in price is due to abundant supply from Chile, leading to a market glut and aggressive discounting by vendors.

Egg prices: soaring in the US, stable in Vietnam

While imported fruits are becoming more affordable in Vietnam, egg prices tell a different story globally.

Eggs, considered a nutrient-rich superfood, are now selling for $4.95 per dozen ($0.45 per egg) in the US, nearly double the price from August 2023.

In contrast, Vietnam’s egg prices remain low and stable. The country produces 20 billion eggs annually, ensuring ample supply at affordable rates.

Currently, chicken eggs cost between VND 1,800–2,100 ($0.07–$0.08) per egg, while duck eggs range from VND 2,200–2,800 ($0.09–$0.11) per egg.

Following the Tet holiday, an oversupply of eggs has led to further price reductions, with some vendors selling bulk sets of 50 eggs for just VND 99,000–100,000 ($3.90–$4).

Son La strawberries flood the market, prices plummet

Vietnamese-grown strawberries are also experiencing a historic price drop. Once selling at premium rates, Son La strawberries are now available at record-low prices across Hanoi’s streets and markets.

Small-sized strawberries: VND 75,000 ($3) per kg (down from VND 180,000 ($7.15) pre-Tet)
Medium-sized strawberries: VND 95,000 ($3.75) per kg
Large strawberries: VND 120,000 ($4.75) per kg
VIP-grade Son La strawberries: VND 160,000 ($6.35) per kg (down from VND 500,000–700,000 ($20–$28) pre-Tet)

With these price reductions, strawberries and Chilean cherries are now selling at nearly the same price range of VND 90,000–200,000 ($3.50–$8) per kg.

Imported apples drop to just $0.80 per kg

Despite being an imported fruit, apples are now widely available in Vietnam at all price levels, from premium to budget-friendly.

In Ho Chi Minh City supermarkets, French apples are being sold at VND 49,000 ($1.95) per kg, while wholesale markets such as Thu Duc offer imported apples for just VND 20,000–30,000 ($0.80–$1.20) per kg.

Coconut prices soar amid unexpected demand

Not all agricultural products are experiencing price drops. Coconuts, once considered an oversupplied commodity, are now seeing a price surge.

Currently, fresh coconuts sell for VND 13,000–25,000 ($0.50–$1) per piece, depending on size. This is nearly double the price compared to last year.

The Vietnam Coconut Association confirmed that demand for fresh coconuts has risen sharply, pushing prices higher.

Durian prices rebound after supply shortage

The price of durian is also on the rise again, following a short-lived price dip.

As of February 20, 2024, exporters in the Mekong Delta have increased purchase prices, with top-grade Monthong durians reaching VND 92,000 ($3.65) per kg, up VND 10,000 ($0.40) from five days prior.

According to exporters, this rebound is driven by renewed demand from China, although trade remains cautious.

Vietnam’s rice exports face price fluctuations

Vietnam’s rice exports saw record-high prices in recent months due to global demand surges.

However, since August 2024, prices have declined sharply. The current export price of Vietnam’s 5% broken rice has now fallen below last year’s lowest levels.

Despite the drop in export prices, domestic retail rice prices in Hanoi markets have only decreased slightly—by about VND 1,000 ($0.04) per kg.

As humidity levels rise in northern Vietnam, demand for dehumidifiers has surged, causing a shortage in supply.

Retailers report that new dehumidifiers are selling for VND 2 million–several million dong ($80–$400), depending on brand and capacity.

With new units in high demand, many consumers are turning to second-hand Japanese dehumidifiers, priced between VND 1–3 million ($40–$120).

Hanh Nguyen