Editor’s Note
This article describes the typical post-holiday lull in Vietnam’s market on the first day of the Lunar New Year 2026, characterized by low consumer demand and stable prices following the pre-Tet shopping peak.
According to information from the Domestic Market Management and Development Department of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, on the first day of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse 2026), in line with seasonal trends, a “trading pause” situation emerged in the goods market. After the bustling activity at the end of the year, when people’s shopping needs were almost fulfilled, purchasing power sharply declined on the first day of the year, and buying and selling activities remained at a very low level.
In many areas, due to the Lunar New Year holidays, most traditional markets, small shops, and shopping centers are temporarily closed and are expected to reopen from the second day of the holiday. Only a few large supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol stations, pharmacies, and essential services will remain open for limited hours to meet unexpected demand. Prices in the market have not increased or decreased due to the already adequate supply arrangements.
On the first day of the year, customer demand was mainly focused on fast-moving consumer goods, fresh food, beverages, sweets for guests, and food and beverage services for Lunar New Year celebrants. Customer traffic in the remaining open shops was low, and transactions were sluggish.
Prices for essential items such as flowers for worship, fresh meat, and vegetables generally remained stable. Some sellers recorded slight increases in labor and storage costs during the festival, but these increases were not widespread and did not cause significant fluctuations in the overall price level. Nationwide, the supply of food, fuel, and consumer goods for Tet remained secure; distribution continued smoothly.
This result is the outcome of preliminary preparation of supply sources and market stabilization efforts. Since this year’s Lunar New Year is quite far from the Gregorian New Year, businesses had the opportunity to develop production plans, build inventories, and strengthen their distribution systems. The total value of goods kept in stock increased by about 10-15% compared to a normal month; in some large distribution companies, inventories of essential goods increased by 20-40%, ensuring the capacity to meet demand even in case of a sudden surge.
There is an abundant supply of food, fresh and processed foods, sweets, beverages, petrol, etc., for the Lunar New Year (Tet), and prices are generally stable. In many areas, Tet fairs, markets, and mobile sales points have been organized in industrial zones, remote areas, border areas, and islands, helping people obtain goods at reasonable prices and contributing to social welfare.
In Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other provinces and cities, the connection between demand and supply has been strengthened, leading to increased consumption of regional specialties and OCOP products during Tet. In modern retail channels, systems such as Saigon Co-op, Central Retail, MM Mega Market, Lotte Mart, and Aeon have actively expanded their product sources, implemented promotions, and enhanced online sales and home delivery, reducing shopping crowds during the busy season.
In Da Nang and An Giang, local authorities are assisting in the transportation and distribution of price-stabilized goods to mountainous and island areas, enabling people in disadvantaged areas to access essential goods at stable prices. In Hanoi alone, the price stabilization program involves 19 participating entities with approximately 10,700 sales points; in Ho Chi Minh City, over 89 entities are participating, with the market share of price-stabilized goods ranging from 23-43% depending on the product group, and they are capable of regulating the market if needed.
Regarding price management, the Ministry of Industry and Trade urges local bodies to ensure a balance between supply and demand, timely increase inventories, and stabilize consumer satisfaction and limit hoarding by publicly releasing information related to supply and prices. For petroleum products, major distributors and suppliers need to actively source and maintain circulating inventories according to regulations to ensure uninterrupted supply under any circumstances. Price management must closely monitor global developments, be transparent, and harmonize the interests of the state, businesses, and consumers.
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 high-demand goods such as food, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cosmetics, electronics, and construction materials; and maintained control over warehouses, transit points, wholesale markets, and e-commerce activities. During the reporting period, the market was generally stable, with no major incidents recorded; no cases of speculation, hoarding, or unreasonable price increases of petrol or essential goods were reported.
