Vegetable prices in Ho Chi Minh City continue to rise as prolonged rainfall and flooding reduce supply from key producing regions. Vendors report higher wholesale costs and faster spoilage, while farmers in Lam Dong Province say yields have fallen sharply due to inundated fields and low temperatures.
At traditional markets including Ba Chieu and Tan Dinh, prices for herbs and leafy greens have increased by VND1,000 to VND2,000 (US$0.04–0.08) in a single day, with several items doubling or tripling compared with two weeks earlier. Scallions have risen from VND30,000 (US$1.2) to VND90,000 (US$3.6) per kilogram, while water spinach is selling for VND70,000 to 90,000 (US$2.8–3.6). Choy sum, bok choy, and mustard greens have climbed from VND15,000–20,000 (US$0.6–0.8) to VND40,000 (US$1.6). Bitter melon, previously VND10,000–15,000 (US$0.4–0.6), now sells for VND40,000–45,000 (US$1.6–1.8), and lettuce is above VND40,000.
Vendors say customers are cautious and often question price changes. Major wholesale markets confirm a sharp drop in incoming volumes, especially leafy vegetables. Tomatoes and greens are up 30–50 per cent, with several products doubling as shortages intensify.
Farmers in Lam Dong Province, a main supplier of vegetables to Ho Chi Minh City, say rising prices do not offset the reduced output. Prolonged rain has damaged farms and delayed replanting. A company managing more than 140 hectares reports that daily availability has dropped from 30 metric tons to 20 metric tons, limiting its ability to meet supply commitments. Selling prices to supermarkets and export partners remain fixed by contract, creating reduced margins.
Farm-gate prices have risen to VND35,000–40,000 (US$1.4–1.6) for tomatoes, VND25,000 (US$1) for napa cabbage, VND35,000 (US$1.4) for garland chrysanthemum, and VND50,000 (US$2) for scallions. Most greens are at VND20,000 (US$0.8) or higher. Farmers say yields for leafy greens that normally reach 4–4.5 metric tons per hectare have dropped to about 2 metric tons due to flooding.
Only about 20 per cent of Lam Dong's production uses greenhouses, with the remainder grown outdoors or under mesh. Some high-tech farms report yield declines of up to 80 per cent.
Producers warn that vegetable supplies may remain unstable through December and into January 2026, affecting availability during Tet. Short-cycle crops still require at least one month from sowing to harvest, limiting short-term recovery.
Consumers across Ho Chi Minh City are adjusting their buying habits, reducing quantities, and relying on relatives in rural areas for produce. Restaurants also report challenges maintaining menu stability due to fluctuating supply and higher purchase prices.
Source: Vietnam News
