New generation 'brick' phones sell well

From March 1, the Ministry of Information and Communications officially deployed a solution to prevent uncertified 2G mobile phones from connecting to mobile telecommunications networks.

However, according to the reporter of Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper, the 2G phone market - consumers often call it "brick" phones, with buttons with simple functions of texting and receiving calls - does not seem to be affected much. "Brick" phone models continue to be sold on the market and are chosen by customers to buy and use.

Representatives of technology retail systems in Ho Chi Minh City said that most of the "brick" mobile phones sold on the market today are integrated with 3G and 4G signal relay technology. Therefore, when the 2G signal is turned off, those who love keyboard phones with 3G and 4G signal relay can still use them normally without being affected.

iPhone 11 reduced by nearly 13 million VND, cheapest ever in history

According to a survey by Nhip Song Thi Truong reporters, at the beginning of March, iPhone 11 - the most anticipated high-end smartphone model of 2019 - was still in stock and widely distributed at retail outlets with two versions: 64GB and 128GB.

Currently, the 64GB version of iPhone 11 is only 9.75 million VND, and the 128GB version is slightly higher at 11.29 million VND, a maximum decrease of 130,000 VND compared to the beginning of February.

Notably, compared to the listed price when it was first launched at 21.99 million VND for the 64GB version and 23.99 million VND for the 128GB version, the price of the iPhone 11 is being reduced from 12.24-12.7 million, cheaper than its competitor Samsung Galaxy S22.

But dealers said the iPhone 11's stock is quite low, mostly the 128GB version, and both versions are currently only available in black or white.

iPhone 15 Pro Max in Vietnam has a big price drop

The purchasing power of the iPhone 15 series is decreasing. According to Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper, to stimulate the demand of Apple fans in the context of economic difficulties, Apple authorized dealers and mobile phone retail stores have recently competed to lower the price of this product line, especially the iPhone 15 Pro Max with the biggest reduction, up to 6-7 million VND.

Accordingly, many iPhone users also believe that the listed price of iPhone Pro Max in Vietnam is the lowest compared to other countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Singapore, Philippines...

On Apple Vietnam's website, the iPhone 15 Pro Max with 512GB capacity costs VND 40.99 million and the 256GB capacity costs VND 34.99 million.

After more than half a year of 'sublimation', Vietnamese rice prices plummet

Rice prices have cooled down after more than half a year of “booming”. Prices of this commodity have plummeted, despite the fact that demand in some countries remains very high.

On March 5, the export price of 5% broken rice from Vietnam was traded at 579 USD/ton, down 84 USD/ton from the peak of 663 USD/ton. Vietnam's 5% broken rice was 34 USD/ton and 20 USD/ton lower than the same type of rice from Thailand and Pakistan, respectively. The export price of 25% broken rice from Vietnam also decreased to 557 USD/ton, 4-5 USD/ton lower than the same type of rice from Thailand and Pakistan.

The plummeting export price of rice has caused the domestic price of rice to decrease since mid-January 2024, from VND9,000/kg to VND7,300-7,800/kg. (See more)

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Vietnamese rice prices are falling as the main harvest season begins. Photo: Dai Doan Ket

Coffee price exceeds 90,000 VND/kg, an unprecedented high

Coffee prices are on the rise. Tien Phong newspaper quoted information from the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association as saying that coffee prices in the Central Highlands provinces continued to increase dramatically on March 8, increasing by 1,400-1,700 VND/kg compared to the beginning of the week, to around 90,400-91,800 VND/kg. This is an unprecedented high.

The high price of Vietnamese coffee, in addition to the world trend, is also due to limited supply. When the price was good at the beginning of the season, many farmers rushed to sell to make a profit. By mid-season, when the price reached 70,000-80,000 VND/kg, small businesses also started to export their products.

According to preliminary calculations, on average, 1 hectare of coffee has the highest yield of 3.8 tons, calculated at the current price of about 90,000 VND/kg, the revenue will be 342 million VND. After deducting costs, coffee growers can earn a profit of more than 200 million VND/ha.

Pomelo crop failed, price increased

Pomelo trees in Vinh Long failed due to the hot weather, causing output to decrease by 70-80%. However, prices increased.

Tuoi Tre newspaper reported that traders are currently purchasing pomelos at the garden for 40,000-65,000 VND/kg. Retail prices range from 95,000-130,000 VND/kg, an increase of 20,000-25,000 VND/kg compared to last year.

Simultaneously increase all types of service fees for visiting Ha Long Bay

From April 1, Tuan Chau International Passenger Port and Ha Long International Passenger Port (Quang Ninh province) simultaneously increased service prices such as port tickets for arriving tourists, boat mooring fees...

According to the Lao Dong Newspaper, the passenger ticket to both ports has increased from 40,000 VND/person/trip to 60,000 VND/person/trip. Depending on the type of ship, if it is a sightseeing ship with a contract to pick up and drop off passengers, the service fee to be paid/trip will increase by about 50,000 VND.

Along with that, security and public lighting fees increased from 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND/ship/month.

China spends 24.4 billion USD buying fruits and vegetables, Vietnam emerges as a 'phenomenon' Despite being a large exporting country, China still spent 24.4 billion USD to import fruits and vegetables last year. Accordingly, Vietnam emerged as a phenomenon in exporting fruits and vegetables to this billion-people market.