Thai fresh dates sold at a fruit stall in Vietnam. Photo by Tienphong
Thai fresh dates, once considered a luxury fruit in Vietnam priced at VND 300,000-700,000 (USD 11.78–27.50) per kg, are now selling for only VND 70,000-150,000 (USD 2.75–5.90), their lowest ever level.
A survey of traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City revealed that imports of Thai dates are higher this season than in previous years, resulting in a sharp decline in prices.
At a fruit shop in Binh Thanh Ward, Thai dates are on offer at VND 90,000 (approximately USD 3.53) per kilo, about half the price recorded last year. Previously, imports often ranged from VND 200,000 to 300,000 (approximately USD 7.84–11.78) per kilo, sometimes even peaking at VND 700,000 (approximately USD 27.50).
In Thu Duc, Pham Van Hai, and Tan Dinh markets, Thai dates are being sold at their cheapest prices ever. Nguyen Van Ba, a vendor at Thu Duc Market, said supply from Thailand is far greater this year, while some regions in Vietnam have also started growing the fruit, adding further downward pressure on prices. His shop sells wholesale boxes of 6 kg for VND 500,000-560,000 (approximately USD 19.61-21.96), equivalent to VND 83,000-93,000 (approximately USD 3.25-3.65) per kilo.
On online platforms, the fruit is available at around VND 850,000 (approximately USD 33.33) per 13 kg box, or VND 79,000 (approximately USD 3.10) per kg.
Retailers predict that Thai dates will remain affordable until the end of the harvest season, after which prices are expected to rise slightly as supply dwindles.
Not only Thai dates but also Indian varieties, considered sweeter and of higher quality, have cooled in price, now selling for VND 250,000-300,000 (approximately USD 11.76) per kilo.
