SOURCE: VNExpress
Chinese mangoes are sold widely in traditional markets, at prices 20-30% cheaper than Vietnamese goods.
A survey at fruit shops and traditional markets showed that this week, Chinese mangoes were continuously imported for sale, fluctuating at 40,000-50,000 VND per kg. This price is 20,000-50,000 VND per kg lower than Vietnamese mangoes. In addition to the sucker and mini mangoes that are still imported by retailers every year, this year this fruit from China also has a crow beak variety.
Ms. Thanh, the owner of a fruit shop on Le Duc Tho Street (Go Vap District), said that mini mangoes this year have increased in price by 20% compared to last year, but are still cheaper than Vietnamese goods. The crow’s beak mango – a new variety that appeared this year – is popular with customers because of its eye-catching shape and distinctive aroma. Ms. Thanh sells this type for 40,000 VND per kilogram, while the Vietnamese Hoa Loc sand variety costs 60,000-100,000 VND.’
According to this seller, at first customers were hesitant about Chinese fruit, but after trying it and finding it delicious, they came back to buy it. The first year she imported crow’s beak mangoes, Ms. Thanh said that on peak days she could sell a ton of the product.
This year, Ms. Hang – a fruit vendor on Pham Van Chieu Street (Go Vap) – also brought in Chinese mangoes to sell. She imports 30 kg every day, but sells them all in the morning, at VND35,000 per kg. This price is VND5,000-10,000 lower than other fruit stalls on the same street, because she does not have to pay for premises.
According to Mr. Nguyen Binh Phuong – Business Director of Thu Duc Wholesale Market Agricultural Products Management and Trading Joint Stock Company, since the beginning of the year, nearly 631 tons of Chinese mangoes have been imported to the market. Currently, the wholesale price of crow’s beak mango is 23,000 VND and sucking mango is 38,000 VND per kg.
As a fruit wholesaler, Ms. Thanh in Thu Duc (HCMC) said that this year, Chinese goods imported are diverse in types and competitively priced. “The price is cheap, the quality of Chinese mangoes is quite good, the color and flavor are attractive, so they are popular with customers. Every day I wholesale dozens of tons,” she said.
Meanwhile, it is noted in the market that Vietnamese mangoes of Cat Chu and Cat Hoa Loc varieties are priced high at the end of the season. For example, Cat Hoa Loc is priced at 80,000-150,000 VND per kg, Cat Chu is 60,000-100,000 VND (depending on the type). These prices are 15-30% higher than Chinese goods.
Ms. Loan, a mango grower in Cao Lanh (Dong Thap), said the reason Vietnamese goods are more expensive is because supply has decreased this year. In addition, mango exports are favorable, buyers have increased imports, pushing prices up. In September, when this fruit enters a new season, prices will stabilize again.
According to data from the General Department of Customs, in the first 6 months of the year, Chinese fruit imports into Vietnam reached 400 million USD, up 28% over the same period last year. In addition to mangoes, fruits such as plums, apples, and pears from China to Vietnam have all increased sharply.