New generation "feature phones" are selling well.

From March 1st, the Ministry of Information and Communications officially implemented a solution to prevent uncertified 2G mobile phones from connecting to mobile telecommunication networks.

However, according to observations by reporters from the Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper, the 2G mobile phone market – often referred to by consumers as "brick phones," with simple functions like texting and making/receiving calls – seems largely unaffected. These "brick phone" models continue to be sold and are popular choices for customers.

Representatives of technology retailers in Ho Chi Minh City said that most "feature phones" sold on the market today are integrated with 3G and 4G signal reception technology. Therefore, when the 2G signal is switched off, those who prefer feature phones with 3G and 4G signal reception can still use them normally without being affected.

iPhone 11 price drops by nearly 13 million VND, the cheapest ever.

According to a survey by Nhip Song Thi Truong reporters, at the beginning of March, the iPhone 11 - the highly anticipated premium smartphone of 2019 - was still in stock and widely distributed at retail outlets in both 64GB and 128GB versions.

Currently, the 64GB version of the iPhone 11 costs only 9.75 million VND, while the 128GB version is slightly more expensive at 11.29 million VND, a decrease of up to 130,000 VND compared to the beginning of February.

Notably, compared to the initial launch prices of 21.99 million VND for the 64GB version and 23.99 million VND for the 128GB version, the iPhone 11 is now discounted by 12.24-12.7 million VND, making it even cheaper than its competitor, the Samsung Galaxy S22.

However, retailers say that the number of iPhone 11 units remaining is quite limited, mostly the 128GB version, and both versions are currently only available in black or white.

iPhone 15 Pro Max prices drop significantly in Vietnam.

The demand for the iPhone 15 series is declining. According to the Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper, to stimulate demand from Apple enthusiasts amidst the current economic difficulties, authorized Apple dealers and mobile phone retailers have recently been competing to lower prices for this product line, especially the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which has seen the biggest price reductions of up to 6-7 million VND.

Accordingly, many iPhone users also believe that the listed price of the iPhone Pro Max in Vietnam is the lowest compared to other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines.

On Apple Vietnam's website, the iPhone 15 Pro Max with 512GB storage is priced at 40.99 million VND, and the 256GB version is priced at 34.99 million VND.

After more than half a year of soaring prices, Vietnamese rice prices plummet.

Rice prices have stopped soaring after more than half a year of "soaring" prices. The price of this commodity has plummeted sharply, despite very high demand in some countries.

On March 5th, the export price of 5% broken rice from Vietnam traded at $579 per ton, down $84 per ton from its peak of $663 per ton. Vietnamese 5% broken rice was $34 per ton and $20 per ton lower than similar products from Thailand and Pakistan, respectively. Export prices for 25% broken rice also fell to $557 per ton, $4-5 per ton lower than similar products from Thailand and Pakistan.

The sharp drop in export rice prices has dragged down domestic paddy prices since mid-January 2024, from 9,000 VND/kg to 7,300-7,800 VND/kg. (See more)

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Vietnamese rice prices are falling as the main harvest season begins. Photo: Dai Doan Ket

Coffee prices have exceeded 90,000 VND/kg, an unprecedented high.

Coffee prices are trending upwards. According to Tien Phong newspaper, citing information from the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association, coffee prices in the Central Highlands provinces continued their dramatic increase on March 8th, rising by 1,400-1,700 VND/kg compared to the beginning of the week, reaching approximately 90,400-91,800 VND/kg. This is an unprecedented high.

The high price of Vietnamese coffee, in addition to the global trend, is also due to limited supply. At the beginning of the harvest season, when prices were good, many farmers took advantage of the opportunity to sell and lock in profits. By the middle of the season, when prices reached 70,000-80,000 VND/kg, small businesses also started exporting their goods.

According to preliminary calculations, an average hectare of coffee with the highest yield of 3.8 tons, at the current price of approximately 90,000 VND/kg, would generate revenue of 342 million VND. After deducting expenses, coffee growers could earn a profit of over 200 million VND per hectare.

Poor harvest of pomelo leads to soaring prices.

In Vinh Long, the pomelo crop has failed due to the hot weather, causing a 70-80% reduction in yield. However, prices have risen sharply.

According to Tuoi Tre newspaper, traders are currently buying pomelos directly from orchards at prices ranging from 40,000 to 65,000 VND/kg. Retail prices range from 95,000 to 130,000 VND/kg, an increase of 20,000 to 25,000 VND/kg compared to last year.

All types of service fees for visiting Ha Long Bay have been sharply increased.

From April 1st, Tuan Chau International Cruise Port and Ha Long International Cruise Port (Quang Ninh province) will simultaneously increase service fees such as port fees for arriving tourists and mooring fees for boats.

According to the Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper, passenger entrance fees at both ports have increased from the current 40,000 VND per person per trip to 60,000 VND per person per trip. Depending on the type of vessel, but for tourist boats with contracts to enter and exit the port to pick up passengers, the service fee per trip will increase to approximately 50,000 VND.

In addition, the fee for security, public order, and public lighting increased from 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND per vessel per month.

China spends $24.4 billion on fruits and vegetables, Vietnam emerges as a 'phenomenon' . Despite being a major exporter, China still spent $24.4 billion importing fruits and vegetables last year. Consequently, Vietnam has emerged as a phenomenon in exporting fruits and vegetables to this massive market.