According to local residents, in previous years, during this time, Tho Tang was always bustling with vehicles coming in and out, and traders working tirelessly. Goods spilled onto the roads, and trucks of all sizes continuously entered and exited, often causing traffic congestion. However, this year, despite the approaching Lunar New Year, trading activities have noticeably slowed down. Many businesses have closed their doors, and a sense of quietness envelops many streets.
Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, a long-time trader in Tho Tang, shared: “This scene is very rare, almost unheard of during the Tet season.”
Closed shops and quiet streets during the peak trading season in Tho Tang.
Observations by Tien Phong reporters on the new street in Tho Tang reveal numerous kiosks with shutters closed, dusty signs, and no goods on display as usual. Some businesses still operate but do not trade openly. Shops remain almost closed, only opening slightly when regular customers call for deliveries. Trading occurs discreetly and cautiously, in stark contrast to the usual vibrant scene.
Mrs. Le Thi Quy, a trader in Tho Tang, stated: Operating costs in this area are currently very high. Rental prices range from 150 to 200 million VND per kiosk with an area of about 100m² per month, not including labor, electricity, water, and other incidental costs. “Ceasing trading is unavoidable, putting many businesses under significant pressure,” Mrs. Quy said.
According to Mrs. Quy, the temporary closure stems mainly from a cautious attitude toward new regulations related to invoices, documents, and product origins. With authorities intensifying market inspections and controls, many businesses choose to “wait and see” to avoid potential risks.
Traders hope authorities will provide guidance and solutions to help them trade with confidence.
Sharing similar concerns, Mrs. Do Thi Que mentioned that her shop has many unsold stocked items from previous years without invoices. Some goods collected directly from farmers also lack input invoices. “Our understanding of tax regulations is limited; we hope authorities will provide guidance and solutions to help traders operate with peace of mind,” Mrs. Que shared.
Additionally, many traders admit that traditional trading in Tho Tang faces significant pressure from e-commerce and modern distribution channels. Dispersed purchasing power, rising input costs, and increasing demands for transparency and standardization in business have left many small traders struggling, forcing them to scale down or temporarily cease operations.
Many fear that continued shop closures by traders could impact supply and market prices during the Tet holiday.
This is not the first time Tho Tang has experienced such quietness. Previously, from late May to mid-June 2025, during peak inspections and crackdowns on smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods, many markets and trading streets here also witnessed mass shop closures. However, the recurrence of this situation just before Tet raises concerns. Tho Tang is not only a livelihood source for thousands of households but also plays a crucial role in the supply chain for many localities.
“Heated” Dialogue
Today (January 15), the People’s Committee of Tho Tang commune held a dialogue between local businesses and representatives from the Market Management Department, Tax Department Branch No. 9, and the Economic Police.
Regarding the switch from lump-sum tax to declaration tax, Mr. Ta Quang Tuan, representative of Tax Department Branch No. 9, explained: For legally imported inventory, the law requires valid invoices, documents, supplementary labels, quality certificates, etc., for circulation. If supplementary labels or compliance documents are lost, traders can contact the seller for replacements. For non-legally imported goods (smuggled goods), authorities cannot guide their legalization. The only solution is for traders to strictly comply with legal regulations.
Traders raise questions for authorities to address during the dialogue.
Regarding economic order management, Mr. Le Xuan Minh, Chief of Tho Tang Commune Police, stated that inspections are planned with specific goals to ensure market order, product quality, and consumer rights. “If traders fully comply with legal regulations, there’s no reason to worry or cease trading. Avoid closing shops just because others are penalized, as it affects overall trading activities,” Mr. Minh shared.
Speaking with Tien Phong reporters, Mr. Khong Dinh Truong, Chairman of Tho Tang Commune People’s Committee, said that during the dialogue, issues within the authority’s competence were directly addressed and guided by relevant agencies. For issues beyond their authority, the commune will compile, report, and propose solutions to higher levels.
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