Soaring Meat and Egg Prices: How Consumers Cope as Tet Approaches

These days, meat and egg prices in traditional markets and supermarkets have surged, putting significant pressure on household spending as the year-end shopping season kicks into high gear.

In Ho Chi Minh City, many homemakers report having to adjust their shopping habits, opting for cheaper cuts of meat, shopping during discount hours, or increasing their use of frozen foods to maintain balanced meals without overspending.

According to VTC News, at various traditional markets on December 10th, pork stalls displayed prices 5,000 to 15,000 VND/kg higher than just two weeks prior. Popular cuts like pork belly, tenderloin, and pork chops saw notable increases. Chicken and duck eggs also experienced significant price hikes after a prolonged period of low prices.

Continuous Price Increases, Slow Sales at Market Stalls

At Đo Đạc Market (Bình Trưng Ward, HCMC), Linh, a pork vendor with over 10 years of experience, shared that prices for various cuts have been rising daily, creating challenges for both sellers and buyers.

On the morning of December 10th, boneless pork belly was priced at 220,000 VND/kg, tenderloin at 180,000 VND/kg, pork leg at 120,000 VND/kg, pork bones at 110,000 VND/kg, and pork chops at a staggering 240,000 VND/kg. Each cut had increased by roughly 10,000 VND/kg.

Linh noted that prices began creeping up about two weeks ago. As Tết approaches, prices typically rise, but this year’s supply has been impacted by storms and diseases, ensuring prices will continue to climb.

Despite the price increases, sales volumes have not improved. “Sales are slow, with little increase. The economy is tough, and buyers are scarce. I used to sell more, but now it’s only about 100kg per day,” Linh said.

Not just pork, poultry eggs have also seen rapid price increases over the past month. At a long-standing egg stall, Mr. Lộc shared that free-range chicken eggs now range from 38,000 to 42,000 VND/tray, while industrial chicken eggs are between 35,000 and 38,000 VND/tray. Just a few months ago, these prices were only around 20,000 to 25,000 VND/tray.

“Duck eggs have increased slightly, to about 33,000 to 35,000 VND/tray. But free-range and industrial chicken eggs have risen sharply, making customers more hesitant,” Mr. Lộc said.

Consumers Tighten Spending, Adapt in Various Ways

The rising prices of meat and eggs have forced many families to change their shopping habits. Ms. Nguyễn Thị Hảo (Phước Long Ward, HCMC) shared that she almost daily monitors supermarket discount programs to “time her purchases.”

“Usually, in the late afternoon or evening, supermarkets offer 30-50% discounts, and the meat is still fresh, with good quality. Shopping this way saves a lot. With everything increasing in price, we have to plan carefully instead of buying impulsively like before,” Ms. Hảo shared.

In addition to hunting for discounts, many are switching to cheaper cuts like pork leg or shoulder instead of pork chops or belly. Some families prioritize frozen meat, combo deals, or reduce portion sizes to balance their budgets.

According to Mr. Nguyễn Kim Đoán, Vice Chairman of the Đồng Nai Livestock Association, pork prices are influenced by multiple factors. The reduced supply following the African swine fever outbreak and storms is the most apparent cause. With herds affected, price increases are inevitable.

Additionally, Mr. Đoán noted that some companies may adjust prices to boost year-end market liquidity, from feed and breeding to live pork. However, this year’s price increases are not just psychological but real.

“Live pork prices have risen from under 50,000 VND/kg to nearly 60,000 VND/kg in just 10 days. This is a positive sign for the livestock industry’s recovery,” Mr. Đoán said.

Regarding price forecasts for the 2026 Tết Bính Ngọ, Mr. Đoán predicted that prices might rise but not as sharply as in previous years. Overall, they will remain moderate to suit consumers’ budgets amid economic challenges. A steep increase, like in 2020, would place significant pressure on many families.

Đồng Nai currently accounts for about 1/8 of the national pig herd, with over 4 million pigs and 42 million poultry. Mr. Đoán assured that supply remains stable: “Major enterprises maintain healthy herds, and poultry farms are restocking for Tết. There’s no shortage, but retail prices may fluctuate with rising demand.”

At the conference “Livestock Development to Ensure Year-End and Early 2026 Supply” held in HCMC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment confirmed that food supply for the 2026 Lunar New Year will be sufficient. Deputy Minister Phùng Đức Tiến stated that food demand during Tết is expected to increase by 10-15%, but businesses and localities have prepared in advance.

“We’ve organized conferences on livestock development, streamlined legal frameworks, removed administrative barriers, reviewed breeding stock, and ensured biosecurity,” Deputy Minister Tiến said.

The Ministry has also instructed localities to guide farmers in restocking while adhering to disease safety regulations and to increase inspections of transportation, slaughtering, and distribution to minimize price volatility during the year-end peak.

Experts predict that meat and egg prices will continue to rise as Tết approaches, both solar and lunar. However, the increases are not expected to be drastic, as supply remains ample and the market shows no signs of scarcity.

Nevertheless, for many families, especially those with moderate to low incomes, spending pressure remains high. This Tết, consumers are shopping more cautiously: preparing early, prioritizing essentials, and maximizing promotional programs.