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Adverse weather has disrupted early-season lychee production, driving retail prices sharply higher this year, with many markets selling above 200,000 đồng per kilogram.
In Thanh Ha, Hai Phong (formerly Hai Duong), Mr. Manh, owner of a 30-tree lychee orchard, reported selling 1 ton of lychees at 95,000 đồng per kg, up about 20% compared with the same period last year. However, the orchard’s total yield fell by around 30%.
In Ai Quoc ward, Hai Phong (formerly Quyet Thang commune), Mrs. Pham Thi Van said lychee prices have cooled compared with mid-April but remain among the highest in many years. Her family harvested more than 1 ton, about half of the same period last year. She noted that limited early-season supply leads traders and regular customers to place orders early, keeping sales relatively stable. Harvest is expected to end by the end of this month.
The “good prices, poor yields” pattern is also seen in the Central Highlands. In Dak Lak, early lychee is being purchased at 60,000–80,000 đồng per kg, compared with the 40,000–50,000 đồng range in previous years. A local grower said there were times the price reached 80,000 đồng per kg as traders sought to buy early and even paid deposits to secure profits.
The higher wholesale prices have pushed retail prices up across major markets. In Ho Chi Minh City, lychee from Dak Lak is sold at 140,000–150,000 đồng per kg, while Thanh Ha’s egg lychee ranges from 150,000–180,000 đồng per kg. For air-shipped goods, some shops report retail prices of 195,000–210,000 đồng per kg, depending on the store.
A fruit shop representative in Thu Dau Mot ward (Ho Chi Minh City) said this year’s lychee arrives later and supply is down 30–50% due to weather affecting fruit set, reducing yields. The quantity imported per shipment is only 50–60 kg, about half of before, while demand remains strong because of high fruit quality.
According to the Planting and Crop Protection Sub-Department of Hai Phong, the city has about 9,350 hectares of lychee, including about 3,300 hectares of early lychee (around 35%). Early lychee is concentrated in areas such as Thanh Ha, Ninh Giang, An Truong, and Quyết Thắng. Early lychee is expected to be harvested heavily from early to mid-May.
The agency said weather conditions are not favorable, citing a warm winter and a lack of prolonged deep frosts that typically support the flowering process. Some areas have seen irregular flowering or alternation. Combined with rising input costs and insufficient orchard care in some places, pest risks have increased and yields and quality have been affected.
To address the situation, local agricultural authorities have asked farmers to intensify orchard care, including maintaining adequate moisture, balanced fertilization, pruning, and pest control. Authorities also emphasized compliance with safe production processes to meet origin tracing requirements and support export.
Professional units are tasked with maintaining planting area codes, strengthening pest forecasts, and improving market linkages. They are also expected to encourage enterprises to connect with farmers early to help stabilize output.
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