The iPhone 13 is now selling at its lowest-ever price in Vietnam, with brand-new models available for just over VND 11 million (approximately USD 430). Meanwhile, the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to reach a record-breaking retail price.

iPhone 13 sees steep price drop

Apple has recently discontinued three popular models in Vietnam – iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 14 Plus. As a result, according to Doi Song va Phap Luat, the iPhone 13 has become the most affordable Apple smartphone still officially distributed in the country.

Its price currently ranges from VND 11.3 to 11.5 million (USD 440–450), about VND 300,000–400,000 lower than at the end of July, marking an all-time low for an Apple-distributed iPhone model.

Other iPhones such as the 14 and 15 series have also seen price reductions of up to VND 700,000 (USD 27–30), depending on storage options and color.

iPhone 17 Pro Max could hit record high

According to various sources, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9 (midnight on September 10, Vietnam time). Doi Song va Phap Luat reported that this year, industry watchers are closely monitoring pricing as rumors suggest Apple will raise prices by approximately USD 50 (around VND 1.3 million) across all versions, including the Pro Max model.

This price increase is attributed to a combination of rising component costs, new tariff policies between the US and China, and widespread impacts across Apple’s global supply chain.

The Wall Street Journal noted that the new iPhone 17 Air is expected to start at USD 900 (about VND 23.6 million), while the iPhone 17 Pro Max could reach a record price of USD 1,249 (around VND 32.7 million).

Poultry egg prices double as farmers earn millions daily

According to poultry egg sellers, prices have surged sharply over the past month.

For example, in early July, Egyptian chicken eggs cost VND 2,600 per egg, but now prices have risen to VND 3,500 per egg – a 35% increase. Other chicken and duck egg varieties have also jumped by 20–30% compared to late June and early July.

The price surge is due to increased demand from mooncake producers in the lead-up to the Mid-Autumn Festival. Additionally, sustained losses earlier in the year forced many farmers to downsize or suspend operations, resulting in a supply shortage and further driving up prices.

Chinese milk grapes drop to VND 15,000/kg

Despite being marketed as a “luxury” fruit with a creamy aroma, Chinese milk grapes are now being sold at rock-bottom prices, as low as VND 15,000/kg (USD 0.57), comparable to the cost of basic vegetables.

On online markets, traditional markets, and along city streets, milk grapes are widely available. Prices vary by grade – basic varieties sell for VND 15,000–20,000/kg, while VIP or premium options fetch VND 70,000–80,000/kg (USD 2.70–3.10).

Vendors expect prices to fall even further once China enters peak harvest season.

Thai fresh dates sold at surprisingly low prices

Thai fresh dates are being sold across Hanoi at strikingly low prices, ranging from VND 70,000 to 150,000 per kg (USD 2.70–5.80), a rare price point for what is typically considered a premium imported fruit.

Last year, these dates were commonly priced between VND 180,000–300,000/kg. In contrast, dates imported from the Middle East - usually sold ripe or dried with a richer sweetness - remain significantly more expensive at VND 300,000–600,000/kg (USD 11.60–23.20).

Retailers predict Thai dates will stay affordable throughout the harvest season before prices gradually rise as supply tightens.

Flight tickets to Hanoi nearly double ahead of National Day parade

As Hanoi prepares to host record numbers of domestic and international visitors during Vietnam’s National Day celebrations on September 2, airfares on major domestic routes have almost doubled.

Round-trip economy-class tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi are now priced between VND 6–8 million (USD 230–310), on par with Lunar New Year rates and VND 2–3 million (USD 77–115) higher than regular days.

Flag-themed products sell out ahead of major national holiday

With just days to go before the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, youth across the country are enthusiastically buying clothing and accessories featuring the iconic red-and-yellow flag of Vietnam.

Dang Ngoc Dung, owner of Loma fabric bag workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, shared that demand for flag-themed tote bags is surging and production can’t keep up.

Flag-themed items are also trending on e-commerce platforms such as TikTok Shop and Shopee. One TikTok seller said their red-flag t-shirts are selling over 3,000 units per month at just over VND 50,000 (around USD 1.90) each - a record-breaking number for the holiday season.

Hanh Nguyen