Since its release over six months ago, the iPhone 16 Pro Max has experienced the biggest price drop to date. At launch, its official price started at 34.99 million VND for the 256GB version, but early buyers had to pay 37-38 million VND due to high demand. However, prices have steadily declined, with some retailers now selling it for around 30.5 million VND. On Shopee, the 256GB model is listed at just 28.99 million VND, marking a 6-million-VND decrease from its initial price.

Xiaomi’s latest flagship, the 15 Ultra, was introduced to the Vietnamese market in early March, alongside its global release. Initially priced at 34.99 million VND for the 16GB RAM + 512GB storage variant, the phone has seen a staggering price drop of nearly 10 million VND within just one week.

Across online reselling groups, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is now being offered for 25-26 million VND, significantly lower than its official retail price. Even at authorized stores, customers can purchase the device for 5 million VND less than its launch price.

During the first week, Xiaomi applied a direct discount of 3 million VND, along with a trade-in bonus of 2 million VND, bringing the real purchase cost down to 29.99 million VND instead of 34.99 million VND.

Luxury grapes cheaper than morning glory, white strawberries flood the market

 
Despite being out of season, premium milk grapes from China are widely available in Vietnam at shockingly low prices. At just 12,000 VND/kg, these grapes are now cheaper than a bunch of morning glory at the local market.

Nguyen Ha Linh, a vendor in Hanoi’s Tan Mai district, noted that in her five years selling Chinese milk grapes, this is the lowest price she has ever seen. However, even at this bargain rate, sales remain sluggish. In October last year, these "luxury grapes" were found to contain banned substances and excessive pesticide residues in Thailand, leading to concerns among Vietnamese consumers.

Meanwhile, white strawberries, also known as snow strawberries, have become a trending item on social media. These berries, with their pale color and mild sweetness, are being marketed as specialty fruits from Moc Chau and Da Lat, selling for 90,000-150,000 VND/kg. Wholesale prices can go as low as 65,000 VND/kg, a drastic fall from their previous 1-million-VND/kg price tag.

However, an online fruit retailer cautioned that the cheap white strawberries flooding the market are likely imported from China, rather than the premium varieties grown in Moc Chau or Da Lat. Even during peak season, genuine Da Lat white strawberries start at 200,000 VND/kg, with even the lowest-grade berries selling for nearly 100,000 VND/kg.

Durian prices surge as Chinese demand spikes

Durian prices have unexpectedly risen despite an increase in supply as peak season approaches. On March 14, wholesale market data showed that Monthong durian (grade A) had reached 140,000 VND/kg, while Ri6 durian (grade A) was selling for 85,000 VND/kg, marking an increase of over 20,000 VND/kg in just one week.

A representative from a major durian supplier in Ho Chi Minh City confirmed that prices have surged due to renewed buying activity from Chinese importers.

"Rescuing" unsold tangerines, pork prices soar to 280,000 VND/kg

Tangerines from the Mekong Delta are being "rescued" in Ho Chi Minh City, selling for 5,500-8,000 VND/kg. Recently, these fruits have been piled up around traditional markets at 10,000-12,000 VND/kg, while street vendors offer three kilograms for 25,000 VND. Some roadside stalls are packaging 10kg bags for just 55,000 VND.

For the past few years, March-April has seen tangerine prices crash due to excessive planting and high yields. Farmers are now struggling to sell their crops at profitable rates.

Meanwhile, pork prices have skyrocketed, with some cuts reaching 280,000 VND/kg. Since January, live hog prices have fluctuated daily, with some provinces recording rates as high as 83,000 VND/kg, the highest since mid-2020. The increase in export demand and production costs has driven up pork prices, providing profits for farmers but adding pressure on consumers.

Baby Three dolls under investigation, Kera veggie candy scandal escalates

The Vietnam Domestic Market Management and Development Department (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade) has issued an urgent directive to local market authorities to crack down on imported toys featuring disputed territorial images.

This action follows reports that Baby Three dolls contain maps resembling China's "nine-dash line". Authorities have pledged strict penalties for any violations.

At the same time, the National Competition Commission (NCC) is investigating Kera veggie candy, a product heavily promoted by Quang Linh Vlogs and Hang "Nomad". The controversy erupted after influencers claimed "one candy equals a whole plate of vegetables," sparking public backlash over false advertising. The NCC has launched an official inspection and verification process to assess potential violations.

Gold prices hit new peak, Hanoi residents rush to buy despite heavy rain

Amid record-breaking gold prices, Hanoi residents lined up in the rain to purchase gold, fearing a potential shortage. Many withdrew millions from savings accounts to invest in the precious metal.

A Thanh Xuan district resident, Manh, shared that he withdrew 300 million VND ($12,000) from his bank to buy three taels of gold. However, upon arriving at the store, he was informed that purchases were limited to one tael per customer due to high demand.

Hanh Nguyen