Market before Tet: Ample supply, stable prices

With only a few days remaining until the Lunar New Year 2026, shopping activities are becoming more vibrant than ever. From traditional markets, supermarkets, and shopping centers to flower and ornamental plant markets, the Tet shopping atmosphere is bustling across Thai Nguyen province.

Traders are continuously restocking and selling throughout the day to meet consumer demand during the peak season.

At traditional markets and supermarket chains, essential goods for Tet have been fully and diversely prepared. According to observations, prices of essential items are generally stable. Some fresh food products serving Tet demand have increased slightly compared to normal days; however, there has been no shortage or abnormal price fluctuation.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Yen, a trader at Thai Market, shared: "Due to the increase in pork prices, pork products have also increased slightly. For example, it used to be VND 150,000 per kilogram, and now it is VND 160,000".

Ms. Vu Thanh Xuan from Phan Dinh Phung Ward said: "I see that supplies are very abundant. Although we have just experienced flooding, at this time, there is no shortage of goods".

Mr. Duong The Hung, Director of Aloha Thai Nguyen Supermarket, informed: "From around the 15th of December in lunar calendar, the number of customers visiting our supermarket has increased sharply. We made plans to import large quantities of goods about two months before Tet. We select products with guaranteed quality and good appearance. The volume of goods imported is 2.5 to 3 times higher than usual".

Peach blossoms, kumquat trees and potted flowers are on vibrant display, bringing the colors of spring to streets across the province.

Alongside essential goods, the flower and ornamental plant market has also entered its peak days. At Vo Nguyen Giap Square and Tet flower markets, spring colors are everywhere, with a wide variety of peach blossoms, kumquat trees, apricot blossoms, and potted flowers and ornamental plants.

Mr. Luu Van Lam from Van Han Commune said: "Peach blossoms are very beautiful this year. However, due to recent storms and flooding, many gardens suffered large losses of trees. In addition, the sudden warm weather has caused peach blossoms to bloom earlier. Like me, I have to sell earlier than in previous years".

"In my view, peach blossom prices this year are relatively similar to previous years and not significantly higher", Mr. Giap Anh Duc from Phan Dinh Phung Ward said.

In response to rising shopping demand in the days leading up to Tet, and to ensure stable market operations, provincial functional forces have stepped up inspections and controls over prices, origin of goods, and product quality, contributing to the protection of consumer rights and the maintenance of market order during Tet.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Trung Anh, Team No. 2, Thai Nguyen Provincial Market Surveillance Department, shared: "During this period, we are focusing on inspecting packaged food and fresh food products. We have detected and handled many cases related to food safety, mainly involving packaged products of unclear origin that do not meet food safety and hygiene requirements".

The market in the days leading up to Tet is vibrant yet stable, with abundant supplies of essential goods and stable prices. This provides an important foundation for people to shop with confidence and welcome the Lunar New Year in a warm, sufficient atmosphere, full of expectations for a peaceful and prosperous new year.