Pork prices cool down
At many people's markets in Ho Chi Minh City, food prices in recent days tend to "cool down" after a period of increase. Pork, vegetables and fruits are commodity groups that record quite affordable prices, helping consumers reduce some of their daily spending pressure.
Recorded at Hoa Binh market, pork prices have decreased compared to a few months ago. Pork belly currently fluctuates around 140,000-160,000 VND/kg, down 10,000-20,000 VND/kg compared to the beginning of June. Some other types of meat are also adjusted according to supply and purchasing power developments.
Ms. Ho Diem Hanh - residing in An Dong ward - shared: "Previously, buying a part of ribs or three-chi was quite expensive. Recently, the price has been softer, so I can buy more vegetables, fish or fruits while still maintaining the same spending level as before.
According to records from small traders, pork prices have decreased partly thanks to the relatively stable supply to the market, while purchasing power has not increased sharply. Consumers currently tend to consider prices before buying, prioritizing foods that are affordable.
From the reality of selling goods, small traders also see a clearer change in customers' choices. Ms. Le Bich, a small trader selling pork at Ba Chieu market area, assessed that compared to the price increase period, customers currently have more choices when many types of meat have decreased by tens of thousands of VND/kg. However, the selling price still depends on each type of meat, quality and time of import.
Not only at people's markets, the supply of pork from wholesale markets is also being maintained stably. The amount of goods arriving at markets meets relatively well the needs of the retail system, contributing to limiting the risk of shortage or sudden price increases.
At Hoc Mon and Binh Dien wholesale markets, the source of pork to the market is quite abundant. Especially at Hoc Mon wholesale market, the price of pork trotters fluctuates around 66,000-70,000 VND/kg, depending on the type. This is one of the factors contributing to creating a more stable price level at retail outlets.
Stable supply
Regarding supply, Mr. Le Van Tien - Director of Hoc Mon Agricultural and Foodstuff Wholesale Market Management and Trading Co., Ltd., informed that the market currently has 350 stalls/main warehouses, including 50 stalls selling pork and 300 stalls selling vegetables, fruits and vegetables. Goods are operating continuously 24/24 hours.
According to Mr. Tien, the average amount of goods arriving at the market is about 2,020 tons/day - night. Of which, pork is about 360 tons/night, equivalent to 4,800-5,000 heads; vegetables and fruits are over 1,360 tons/day - night and fruits are about 30 tons/day - night. Prices of goods are at a stable level, there is no sudden increase.
Some vegetables such as cucumbers, gourds, pumpkins, lemons... are only about 10,000 VND/kg. Some fruits even after the peak season such as avocados and rambutans are also sold for about 15,000 VND/kg. This price level is creating more choices for consumers, especially in the context that families still tend to balance spending. When vegetables and fruits are priced low, buyers can increase the amount of fresh food in meals without increasing the budget for going to the market too much.
From the perspective of a modern distribution system, businesses are also proactively implementing solutions to maintain goods sources and limit price fluctuations.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thang - Deputy General Director of Saigon Co. op - informed that the enterprise has worked with suppliers to negotiate to maintain prices, and at the same time proactively reserve groups of goods at risk of price increases at distribution centers and warehouses of the system.
Mr. Thang added that logistics operations are optimally synchronized, from transportation plans to storage capacity, to ensure that goods are always ready.
According to Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Phuong - Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, the city is coordinating with businesses to stabilize the market, increase supply-demand connections, and reduce intermediaries. At the end of the year and holidays, Tet, the city will closely monitor the supply and prices of essential goods to limit fluctuations.
