Market on the first day of the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse): Supply and demand remain stable.

The first day of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse 2026) saw a relatively quiet market as purchasing power decreased significantly compared to the peak period leading up to Tet. After the bustling shopping spree in the final days of the year, most people's stockpiling needs had been met, resulting in very low transaction activity on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

In many localities, traditional markets, small shops, and most shopping malls are temporarily closed for the Lunar New Year holiday and are expected to reopen from the second day of the holiday. Only a few large supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and essential services remain open with limited hours to meet emerging needs. The market is therefore in a state of "trading suspension," with no pressure for price increases or shortages of goods.

Demand during the day was mainly focused on fast-moving consumer goods, fresh food, beverages, confectionery for guests, and some catering services for the Lunar New Year holiday. Prices of items such as flowers for offerings, fresh meat, and vegetables and fruits generally remained stable, with only slight localized increases at some open outlets due to labor and preservation costs during the holiday. However, these adjustments were not widespread and did not create significant fluctuations in the overall price level. Nationwide, the supply of essential goods, fuel, and consumer goods for the Lunar New Year remained secure; circulation and distribution were smooth.

In preparing for supply and stabilizing the market, localities have proactively implemented plans early on, closely following demand forecasts. Because the Lunar New Year is quite far from the Gregorian New Year, businesses have had the opportunity to develop production plans, stockpile goods, and strengthen their distribution systems. The goods brought to the market are diverse in type and design, meeting consumer and gift-giving needs. The total value of reserves increased by approximately 10-15% compared to a normal month; at some large distribution companies, the increase in reserves of essential goods reached 20-40% to proactively ensure supply.

Goods for Tet (Lunar New Year) focus on food, fresh and processed foods, confectionery, beverages, gasoline, etc., with abundant supply and generally stable prices. Many localities organize Tet fairs, markets, and mobile sales points in industrial zones, remote areas, border regions, and islands to help people access goods at reasonable prices, contributing to social welfare. The connection between supply and demand between major economic centers such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces and cities continues to be strengthened, promoting the consumption of regional specialties and OCOP products during Tet.

In modern retail channels, systems such as Saigon Co.op , Central Retail, MM Mega Market, Lotte Mart, and AEON proactively expand their product sources, implement promotions, strengthen online sales and home delivery, thereby reducing the pressure of rush shopping during peak periods. Market stabilization programs are implemented through a socialized approach, using the businesses' own capital; many items are committed to being sold 5-10% lower than market prices and maintaining stable prices before, during, and after Tet.

In Da Nang and An Giang, local authorities support transportation and organize the delivery of price-stabilized goods to mountainous areas and island communes, ensuring that people in disadvantaged areas have access to essential goods at stable prices. In Hanoi alone, the price stabilization program involves 19 participating units with approximately 10,700 sales points; in Ho Chi Minh City, more than 89 units participate, with price-stabilized goods accounting for 23-43% of the market share depending on the product group, sufficient to regulate the market when necessary.

Regarding management and direction, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has requested localities to develop plans to ensure a balance between supply and demand, increase reserves early, and publicly disclose information on supply and prices to stabilize consumer sentiment and limit hoarding. For petroleum products, authorities have required key enterprises and distributors to proactively create sources and ensure circulating reserves as regulated, preventing supply disruptions under any circumstances. Price management closely follows global developments, is conducted openly and transparently, and ensures a balance of interests between the State, businesses, and consumers.

Simultaneously, a comprehensive plan to combat smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods before, during, and after Tet (Lunar New Year) was implemented. Market management forces intensified inspections of high-demand goods such as food, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cosmetics, electronics, and construction materials; and strictly controlled warehouses, transit points, wholesale markets, and e-commerce activities. During the reporting period, the market remained generally stable, with no major incidents recorded; no instances of speculation, hoarding, or unreasonable price increases for gasoline or essential goods were detected.

Overall, the market on the first day of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse 2026) was observed to be quiet, following seasonal patterns, with a balance between supply and demand and stable prices. It is expected that from the second day onwards, when distribution systems reopen, buying and selling activities will gradually become more vibrant, but there are no factors that could cause significant price or supply fluctuations.

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Source: Department of Domestic Market Management and Development

Tags: Department of Domestic Market Management and Development, Domestic Market, Lunar New Year Market

Source: https://moit.gov.vn/tin-tuc/thi-truong-ngay-mung-1-tet-binh-ngo-2026-cung-cau-on-dinh.html