In brief
The impact of extreme weather, including Typhoon Yagi, has greatly affected the kumquat harvest in Vietnam, scrambling prices and leaving farmers with unsold inventory as families turn to cheaper alternatives for the Lunar New Year celebration.
In Vietnam, the Lunar New Year, or Tet, is marked by the vibrant presence of potted kumquat trees, which symbolize luck and prosperity. However, this year’s celebration is marred by severe weather events that have dramatically affected the tradition, particularly the availability and prices of these beloved citrus plants.Typhoon Yagi, which struck in September, flooded key farmland in northern Vietnam, leading to a reduced harvest of kumquats and other festive plants. Farmers like Nguyen Thi Hoa, located near Hanoi’s Red River, reported substantial losses, with floodwaters destroying nearly half of the 500 trees she had planted. As the new year approached, the combination of limited supply and fluctuating market prices left many ornamental plant farmers disheartened. Initial wholesale prices for kumquats surged due to the diminished supply. However, demand plummeted as consumer concerns grew, largely driven by the perception that this year's kumquat fruits, which are typically about the size of golf balls, lacked the visual appeal associated with the holiday.Many families opted for smaller kumquat trees or chose alternative flowers such as orchids and persimmon branches. Nguyen Thi Hoa expressed her dismay at the situation, noting that unsold kumquat trees—priced around 600,000 Vietnamese dong (approximately $24)—were selling for about 40% less than normal.The kumquat is an integral part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, and its presence is felt nationwide—as a common sight in homes, shops, and offices—reflecting the holiday spirit. The drastic changes in market dynamics due to extreme weather serve as a blow to both farmers and consumers alike during this cherished time of year.
