Record Low Prices for Chinese Strawberries in Vietnam

Since mid-February, Vietnam has seen an influx of large shipments of strawberries from China, leading to record low prices. At Hoc Mon Market in HCMC and Lao Cai Province, wholesale prices for a seven-kilogram box have dropped to around VND380,000-400,000. This significant price reduction has made Chinese strawberries widely available across traditional markets in HCMC and retail outlets in Hanoi.

Vendors and Importers Weigh In

Vendors like Loan from Xom Moi Market in HCMC and Mai Hoa from Pham Van Hai Market have noted the superior appearance and lower prices of Chinese strawberries compared to local varieties. Importers attribute this to China's increased strawberry production and investment in smart greenhouse technology, enhancing both output and quality.

Boxes of strawberries. Photo from Pexels

Market Dynamics and Legal Imports

Thanh, a fruit importer in HCMC, highlights the market dominance of Chinese strawberries due to their uniform size, steady supply, and longer shelf life. Nguyen Binh Phuong, deputy director of Thu Duc wholesale market’s agricultural division, confirms that these imports are legal, meeting all inspection requirements, and are outselling Vietnamese strawberries due to their lower price and abundant supply.

Impact on Vietnam's Fruit Import Landscape

Vietnamese customs data reveals that in January 2025, the country imported over US$88 million worth of fruits and vegetables from China, maintaining last year's figures. This solidifies China's position as Vietnam’s top fruit supplier, accounting for 41% of total fruit imports.