Market stabilization after Tet

(DN)- After the peak shopping season of the Lunar New Year (Tet), the supply of goods and food products has gradually stabilized. However, consumer demand at many traditional markets remains sluggish.

Slower sales at traditional markets

A survey conducted at Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets across Đồng Nai province shows that food prices have returned to pre-Tết levels. Beef now costs between 280,000-320,000 VND/kg, red tilapia fish (cá diêu hồng) is priced at 65,000-75,000 VND/kg, premium shrimp ranges from 180,000-250,000 VND/kg, octopus is sold for 200,000-220,000 VND/kg, and top-quality chicken and duck eggs cost between 25,000-35,000 VND per dozen.

However, pork prices have increased by about 5,000-10,000 VND/kg compared to pre-Tết rates. Specifically, pork belly is now 120,000-145,000 VND/kg, pork thigh meat ranges from 100,000-110,000 VND/kg, lean pork costs 100,000-110,000 VND/kg, baby back ribs are sold at 170,000-200,000 VND/kg, and pork chops range from 90,000-100,000 VND/kg.

Ms. Trương Thị Bộ, a pork vendor at Hóa An Market (Biên Hòa City), noted that pork prices have risen by about 10,000 VND/kg compared to before the holiday. Although supply has stabilized, consumer demand remains weak.

Market representatives across the province reported that goods are now readily available, with management teams ensuring price transparency and food safety regulations are followed.

Similarly, vendors noted that seafood prices have risen by 10-15% since the holiday. Prices for specific products include snakehead fish (cá lóc) at 60,000-70,000 VND/kg, squid (mực ống, grade I) at 250,000-350,000 VND/kg, mackerel (cá thu) at 300,000 VND/kg, salmon at 80,000 VND/kg, and tilapia (cá hường) at 100,000 VND/kg.

Meanwhile, vegetable prices remain stable with abundant supply. For example, cauliflower is 40,000 VND/kg, cabbage ranges from 15,000-20,000 VND/kg, tomatoes are 25,000 VND/kg, cucumbers cost 15,000 VND/kg, carrots are 20,000-30,000 VND/kg, potatoes are 25,000-30,000 VND/kg, mustard greens are priced at 10,000-15,000 VND/kg, and various types of squash cost 15,000-20,000 VND/kg.

Market management representatives confirmed that food prices have largely returned to normal. However, purchasing activity remains slow, and some vendors have yet to resume business after the holiday.

According to Nguyễn Thanh Tú, Head of Hóa An Market Management Board, approximately 80% of vendors have resumed operations, but consumer demand is still low. Pork prices have increased by 5,000-10,000 VND/kg compared to pre-Tết levels.

Similarly, Phạm Đức Nam, Head of Long Thành Market Management Board, reported that 60-70% of vendors have returned, while about 90% of wholesale night market vendors are back in business. However, overall purchasing power has declined by around 50% compared to pre-Tết peak levels.

 More measures to stabilize the market

To ensure market stability post-Tết, market management boards have encouraged vendors to adjust stock levels based on demand while maintaining stable prices, particularly for essential food items. Efforts are also being made to enforce price listings and daily price reporting for key commodities.

Supermarkets across the province are continuing discount programs and launching new promotions, particularly for vegetables, vegetarian food, and processed foods. Reports indicate that supermarket sales remain moderate, with peak shopping times occurring on weekends.
"As a retail company participating in the market stabilization program, Central Retail worked with suppliers nationwide to ensure continuous delivery during and after Tết. This has helped maintain stable supplies, even for perishable goods like fresh food. At GO! supermarkets, we always ensure full availability of essential items at stable prices for consumers.", said Nguyễn Thị Bích Vân, Communications Director of Central Retail Vietnam.

Reported by H.Quan