Vietnam Vegetable Prices Surge Due to Prolonged Rain, Impacting Livelihoods

Prolonged rainfall across Vietnam has triggered a sharp increase in fresh vegetable prices, impacting daily life for residents. In Ho Chi Minh City, many types of vegetables have seen price increases of 20-50% compared to the previous month. Specifically, Da Lat broccoli prices have jumped by over 40%, from approximately VND 45,000 to VND 65,000 per kilogram. Chinese cabbage and bok choy also saw price hikes of around 25-33%, ranging from VND 45,000 to VND 50,000 per kilogram. Herb prices have experienced even more dramatic increases, with spring onions, coriander, and basil now costing around VND 70,000 per kilogram, a substantial rise of VND 25,000 or 55.6% from last month. Red chilies have also climbed to VND 80,000-90,000 per kilogram. This price increase is not confined to retail markets; wholesale markets are also seeing higher prices due to reduced supply from growing regions. At the Thủ Đức and Hóc Môn wholesale markets in Ho Chi Minh City, various vegetables and fruits have become VND 2,000-15,000 more expensive per kilogram compared to the previous month. Local vendors in markets like Xóm Mới report a noticeable decrease in vegetable supply over the past two weeks. Some items, such as spinach and bok choy, have seen their supply cut by half. Coriander is particularly scarce due to cultivation difficulties during the rainy season, with some vendors unable to source it if they arrive late at the wholesale market. Supplies of broccoli, Chinese cabbage, and cabbage imported from China have also decreased, leading to an average price increase of about 15%, according to vendors. Shortages are more pronounced in production areas. A representative from the Twelve Safe Vegetable Cooperative in Tây Ninh province stated that heavy rainfall has reduced their vegetable yields by 20-30%, despite investments in protective netting. Certain vegetables, like bok choy, are proving difficult to sow and care for under these weather conditions. Under normal circumstances, the cooperative supplies over 3 tons of vegetables daily. Currently, production has dropped to about 2.5 tons, making it difficult to fulfill orders for some partners. If the rain continues, vegetable prices are expected to rise further in the coming week, especially for herbs, which are more susceptible to weather impacts and challenging to cultivate. Source: VnExpress