Editor’s Note
This report from Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade confirms a stable market with abundant supplies of essential goods and Tet holiday items as of February 14, 2026. It reflects ongoing efforts to ensure smooth market operations during the peak Lunar New Year period.
According to a quick report from the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, as of the 27th day of the 12th lunar month (February 14, 2026), the market situation across the country is basically stable with no unusual incidents; the supply of consumer goods, including essential items, gasoline, and goods for Tet (Lunar New Year), is fully ensured.
Since the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) festival in 2026 starts from the 27th day of the 12th lunar month, which is one day later than the previous year and does not include the 30th day of the 12th lunar month, people have been actively shopping since the end of January and early February 2026. The market starts early, right after the 15th day of the 12th lunar month, and sees significantly more bustling activity from the weekend of February 7-8, especially around the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month.
In modern distribution systems, the increased demand for essential goods has led to a 20-30% increase in customer numbers compared to normal days. Supermarkets and shopping malls recorded good growth in purchasing power, but this increase was not sudden. Discounts of 30-50% were offered on many consumer goods, and businesses participating in the price stabilization program promised to maintain stable prices one month before and after Tet.
The supply of fresh food, vegetables, and fruits in traditional markets has increased, meeting the demand for year-end festivals and Tet holiday meals. Prices of some items have seen a slight increase as usual, but there is no shortage or unreasonable price hike of any goods.
Notably, the total value of inventory increased by about 10-15% compared to a normal month; in some large distribution businesses, inventory for many essential goods increased by 20-40%. Since the Lunar New Year is quite different from the Gregorian New Year, preparing production and inventory plans well in advance gives businesses sufficient time to prepare goods, strengthen their distribution mechanisms, and reduce pressure during the busy period.
In addition to ensuring the supply of goods, local administrations are effectively implementing market stabilization programs. So far, 34 provinces and cities have issued implementation plans or reports for programs to ensure the supply of goods during the Tet holiday.
In Hanoi, 19 entities with nearly 10,700 sales points participated in this program. In Ho Chi Minh City, over 89 entities participated; the volume of price-stabilized goods accounted for 23% to 43% of market share depending on the product group, which was sufficient to influence and regulate the market when needed.
According to the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development, the rice market within the food group is not as vibrant as other goods, and prices are seeing a decrease of 1,000 to 5,000 VND/kg compared to the same period last year. In the northern region, the price of high-quality white rice is generally 22,000 to 30,000 VND/kg, while in the southern region it is 20,000 to 28,000 VND/kg; supply is abundant.
Prices of fresh food have increased slightly, as is common during Tet festivals, but prices are under control. The general price of pork is 120,000 – 130,000 VND/kg; pork loin and belly cost 150,000 – 170,000 VND/kg; premium beef tenderloin costs 260,000 – 280,000 VND/kg; and free-range chicken costs 130,000 – 150,000 VND/kg. Large shrimp (26-30 shrimp/kg) cost between 400,000 – 450,000 VND/kg. Compared to the same period last year, prices for most fresh foods are 4-5% higher, pork prices have increased by 5-15%, while rice prices are 12-15% lower.
Thanks to favorable weather, the supply of vegetables and fruits is abundant and prices are stable; however, some varieties like cabbage and cauliflower are nearing harvest and therefore their prices are declining. Prices of fruits used for Tet decoration, such as oranges, mangoes, and dragon fruit, have increased slightly; while prices of raw bananas and Buddha’s hand citron have increased significantly due to supply disruptions caused by storms in the third quarter of 2025.
Regarding petroleum products, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has set a minimum total supply of approximately 31.8 million cubic meters/tons for 2026, ensuring no supply shortage under any circumstances. The petroleum market remained stable and operated without disruption on the 27th day of the 12th lunar month, and businesses strictly adhered to price listing and sales at correct prices according to the price adjustment period of February 12, 2026.
Furthermore, a comprehensive plan has been implemented to combat smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods before, during, and after the Lunar New Year (Tet). Market management forces have intensified inspections of food, alcoholic beverages, sweets, tobacco, cosmetics, electronics, construction materials, firecrackers, etc.; and maintained strict control over business activities in warehouses, storage centers, wholesale markets, shopping centers, and even in the e-commerce sector.