High prices of early-season lychees, but people with 'painful wallets' still looking to buy

The high price of early-season lychees has caused many consumers to suffer. However, the appeal of this fruit has not diminished as buyers accept high prices to enjoy fresh, delicious lychees, contributing to the market's appeal.

High prices, purchasing power still increases strongly

In late May, lychees in Thanh Ha district (Hai Duong) and Bac Giang are entering their ripening season. Each bunch of fruit is plump and heavy, signaling a bumper harvest. Thanks to thorough training in techniques according to VietGAP standards, from the use of safe pesticides, keeping care diaries to strictly following plant quarantine regulations, the lychee "capitals" in these two localities are expecting to bring in a bumper crop.

Early season lychees are on sale at Cau Dien market (Bac Tu Liem). Photo: Minh Khanh

According to the reporter of Cong Thuong Newspaper, at the traditional markets in Hanoi , it is not difficult to see bunches of fresh, round lychees for sale.

The price of lychees at the markets currently ranges from 65,000 - 120,000 VND/kg, depending on the quality. Large, fresh lychees will be more expensive, ranging from 80,000 - 120,000 VND/kg, while smaller lychees cost from 65,000 - 90,000 VND/kg.

Ms. Bich Ha, owner of a fruit shop near Cau Dien market (Bac Tu Liem district, Hanoi) said that currently there is only U lychee, many people call it U egg, the fruit is big and juicy, the seeds are big, not as delicious as the main season lychee but the flavor is also strong. " The price of lychee this year is quite expensive compared to last year. If last year at the beginning of the season the price was up to 120,000 VND/kg, this year the VIP type has the highest price of about 140,000 VND/kg. Many customers also look for this type as gifts ," Ms. Ha said.

On the morning of May 24, at Nhan Chinh market (Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi), Ms. Vu Tuyet, a market trader, said that in recent days, the price of lychee has started to cool down compared to before.

“ The product I am selling is the type of lychee that has a sour and sweet taste and is quite easy to eat. Because the import price is high, I sell it for about 60,000 - 90,000 VND/kg depending on the type, and the consumption is also quite fast ,” said Ms. Tuyet.

Ms. Vu Tuyet, a vendor at Nhan Chinh market. Photo: Minh Khanh

Not only in traditional markets, lychees are also sold in supermarkets at prices ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 VND/kg. On e-commerce platforms and social networks, lychees are sold at the lowest price of 50,000 VND/kg.

Ms. Nguyen Minh Anh (owner of Regional Specialties shop, Phuong Canh street, Nam Tu Liem district, Hanoi) shared that the type of lychee she is selling is grown in Kim Son district (Ninh Binh), also the famous lychee variety of Thanh Ha ( Hai Duong ).

“ Lychee in the early season sells very well because many customers buy it to enjoy. There are days when I sell a ton of lychee, and there are days when the imported quantity is not enough to sell. It is also this type of lychee, but if it is in the main season or at the end of the season, the price will be cheaper, fluctuating around 40,000 VND/kg ,” said Ms. Minh Anh.

Continue to expand consumer market

Speaking to reporters from the Industry and Trade Newspaper, Mr. Vu Dinh Bat - Chairman of the Thanh Ha Lychee Production and Consumption Association (Hai Duong) - said that this year, the Thanh Ha lychee crop is considered to be a bumper crop compared to last year, increasing both in quantity and quality. This is thanks to the strict application of VietGAP standards by farmers in the care stage.

Since then, lychee growers have contributed to creating bunches of fruit that are plump, fresh, and safe for consumers.

As planned, at the end of May, Thanh Ha District People's Committee will coordinate with Hai Duong Provincial People's Committee Office, Trade Promotion Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) and a number of departments and branches to organize Thanh Ha litchi trade promotion conference.

Traders at Nhan Chinh market introduce Hai Duong lychee. Photo: Minh Khanh

The conference aims to promote trade, promote the quality and brand of lychee, while boosting domestic consumption and export, and expanding new markets.

“ Although the price of early-season lychee is higher than the main crop, it reflects the investment and product quality that farmers deserve. We believe that, with the support of authorities at all levels and the close coordination of stakeholders in the product supply value chain, Thanh Ha lychee will maintain its brand, meeting the increasing demand of domestic and foreign markets. On the association’s side, we will continue to support people in applying modern farming techniques, improving the quality of lychee and expanding consumption channels ,” Mr. Bat shared.

This year’s lychee season is not only a story about prices, but also a testament to the comprehensive development of Vietnam’s agricultural sector in the context of innovation and deep integration. Consumers can completely rest assured when choosing and enjoying fresh, safe lychees, contributing to increasing income for growers and affirming their position in domestic and foreign markets.

According to information on the website of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Hai Duong province, in 2025, the whole province will have 8,800 hectares of lychee, of which early-harvested lychee will be about 2,850 hectares (accounting for 32.4%), concentrated in Thanh Ha district (about 2,000 hectares); main-season lychee will be about 5,850 hectares (accounting for 67.6%), mainly concentrated in Thanh Ha district (about 1,285 hectares) and Chi Linh district (about 3,200 hectares).

This year, Hai Duong's total lychee output is expected to reach 60,000 tons. Lychee production in Hai Duong basically complies with safety procedures with 721 hectares certified by VietGAP and GlobalGAP.

Minh Khanh

Source: https://congthuong.vn/vai-dau-vu-gia-cao-nguoi-dan-dau-vi-van-tim-mua-389152.html