Storm damage sends Vietnam’s vegetable prices soaring back to COVID-era highs

A wave of storms and flooding has pushed Vietnam’s vegetable prices to levels not seen since the pandemic, forcing households and vendors to recalculate every meal, according to local media.

Surveys in Ho Chi Minh City show daily increases of VND1,000–2,000 (US$0.04–0.08) and sharp spikes across leafy greens, herbs, and common staples.

At Ba Chieu Market, scallions that once sold for VND30,000 ($1.2) per kilogram now reach VND90,000 ($3.6), while water spinach has climbed to VND70,000–90,000 ($2.8–3.6) per kilogram.

Prices at Tan Dinh Market tell a similar story: choy sum, bok choy, and mustard greens have risen from VND15,000–20,000 ($0.6–0.8) to VND40,000 ($1.6) per kilogram, and bitter melon now sells for VND40,000–45,000 ($1.6–1.8) instead of VND10,000–15,000 ($0.4–0.6).

Wholesale hubs report steep drops in incoming volumes, especially leafy vegetables, with tomatoes and greens up 30–50 percent and some items doubling due to shortages.

Farmers in Lam Dong say higher prices offer little relief as yields have collapsed; tomatoes fetch VND35,000–40,000 ($1.4–1.6) per kilogram and scallions VND50,000 ($2), yet flooding has cut output by more than half.

Industry representatives warn that vegetable supply may remain tight through January 2026 because even fast-growing crops require at least one month to harvest.

Households across Ho Chi Minh City are already scaling back purchases, and vendors say even small herb bundles — once complimentary — now feel too costly to give away.

source: news.tuoitre.vn

photo: producereport.com