Vietnamese tech customers flock to AI devices, reasonably priced iPhone 14 Plus

AI residence home equipment extra accessible

Electronics producers are rolling out extra AI-integrated home equipment to draw clients with enhanced options and better comfort.

Several electronics retailers and supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City confirmed to Nguoi Lao Dong that AI-powered merchandise are exhibiting stable gross sales development. While typical electronics see a ten–15% annual decline, AI-integrated merchandise have recorded gross sales development of round 30%.

Prices of contemporary, AI-enabled home equipment are lowering steadily, now solely 10–30% dearer than comparable conventional fashions. This makes them more and more accessible to common shoppers.

According to a consultant from Aqua, a number one electronics model, nearly each producer now gives AI-powered traces, leading to extra aggressive pricing throughout the board.

iPhone 14 Plus sees sharp worth drop

The iPhone 14 Plus, Apple’s first Plus variant formally offered in Vietnam, is at the moment probably the most reasonably priced mannequin of its type in the marketplace.

As reported by Gia Dinh & Xa Hoi, though the iPhone 14 Plus lacks the slim design or good AI capabilities of the iPhone Air, it boasts a premium dual-camera system and a bigger battery, making it engaging to customers.

Even extra interesting is the present pricing: the 128GB model is now obtainable for simply VND 17,390,000 (roughly USD 692), making it over USD 400 cheaper than the iPhone Air – a proposal that’s charming many Vietnamese shoppers.

Pork costs surge at markets as dwell hog costs close to document

Live hog costs are climbing sharply, with merchants scrambling to purchase pigs regardless of farmers’ reluctance to repopulate their herds as a result of African swine fever and rising enter prices. The ensuing provide scarcity is driving up costs.

Currently, dwell hogs are being offered at round VND 68,000–70,000/kg (USD 2.70–2.78) in northern provinces. In central areas, costs vary from VND 63,000–69,000/kg (USD 2.50–2.74), and within the south, they maintain regular at VND 60,000–63,000/kg (USD 2.38–2.50).

At Hanoi’s conventional markets, distributors admit that pork demand stays weak, however costs have nonetheless elevated by VND 5,000–15,000/kg (USD 0.20–0.60), relying on the minimize.

At Dai Tu Market in Dinh Cong (Hanoi), vendor Xuan quoted costs as follows: pork shoulder, entrance leg, and boneless pork hock now price VND 140,000–150,000/kg (USD 5.57–5.96), up by VND 10,000/kg since mid-November.

Similarly, pork stomach and tenderloin have reached VND 160,000/kg (USD 6.36), and pork ribs now promote for VND 180,000/kg (USD 7.15).

Vietnam’s pepper exports to the U.S. hit premium costs

Data from the International Trade Center (ITC) exhibits that within the first 9 months of 2025, the U.S. imported 64,260 tons of pepper, price USD 488.6 million. While the amount fell 12.1% year-on-year, the worth surged by 29.8%.

Vietnam emerged as the most important provider, accounting for 69.3% of U.S. pepper imports.

Notably, Vietnam’s export worth to the U.S. was the best among the many high 5 sources – Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, China, and Zimbabwe. Vietnamese pepper averaged USD 7,752/ton, up 52.1% year-on-year and exceeding the U.S. import market common of USD 7,603/ton.

New Year journey demand pushes airfares up

Vietnam’s 2026 New Year vacation unexpectedly stretches to 4 days, boosting demand within the aviation and tourism sectors. Many vacationers have rushed to e-book flights for household visits or leisure journeys, driving costs up by 20–50% in comparison with regular days.

According to Tri Thuc – Znews, throughout January 1–4, 2026, round-trip tickets between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi vary from VND 2.4–3.4 million (USD 96–136) throughout all airways. As a significant home route served by six carriers, this line nonetheless gives a number of flight choices at comparatively modest worth hikes.

In distinction, flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang have seen a steeper enhance of 30–50%, now priced at VND 3.3–3.7 million (USD 132–148) with Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Vietravel Airlines. Notably, fare variations of VND 200,000–500,000 (USD 8–20) amongst airways rely largely on departure instances.

Fresh areca nut costs plummet

As the harvest season ends, falling demand from Chinese consumers is driving contemporary areca nut costs down sharply in Dak Lak Province.

According to Tien Phong newspaper, early within the season, areca nuts fetched VND 40,000–50,000/kg (USD 1.59–1.99), however costs have now dropped to only VND 10,000–12,000/kg (USD 0.40–0.48).

Traders have grow to be more and more selective, buying solely lengthy, uniform nuts that meet strict requirements. Small, spherical varieties are actually extensively rejected, even at decrease costs.

Areca nuts are primarily exported to China for sweet manufacturing. However, decreased demand from Chinese companions has led to stock build-ups in Vietnam, forcing assortment facilities to tighten high quality necessities.

Hanh Nguyen