Stronger controls introduced as Hanoi secures supplies for 2026 Tet

THE HANOI TIMES — As demand climbs toward year-end and Tet (Lunar New Year), Hanoi’s industry and trade sector has worked with businesses to build reserves, stabilize prices and prevent shortages.

Nguyen The Hiep, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, speaks to Hanoimoi Newspaper and outlines preparations to maintain supply and price stability during the holiday season.

How has the city prepared supplies for the year-end and Tet shopping surge?

Authorities began preparations in December 2025, drafting plans to secure adequate supplies of essential goods for the 2026 Lunar New Year.

Price-stabilized items include rice, pork, poultry, eggs, vegetables, cooking oil, sugar, milk and processed foods. The city has stockpiled about 301,000 tons of rice, 60,000 tons of pork, 16,000 tons of beef, 20,000 tons of chicken and duck, 401 million poultry eggs, 334,500 tons of vegetables, 16,700 tons of processed foods and 16,700 tons of seafood.

Businesses have increased inventories by 10% to 40% compared with last Tet. Domestic goods account for roughly 80% of supply. Retailers have expanded online sales, promoted e-payments and strengthened supply links with other provinces to respond quickly to demand spikes.

Nearly 1,300 retail outlets will stay open during the first four days starting from Lunar New Year’s Eve. Tet sales will take place at 31 shopping centers, 141 supermarkets, 468 traditional markets and thousands of neighborhood stores.

Price-stabilization programs operate across supermarkets, commercial centers, convenience stores and traditional markets. The city is also organizing spring flower markets to meet holiday demand.

How are local businesses planning reserves for 2026 Tet?

Major distributors and retailers prepared early, allocating tens of trillions of dong in working capital to stock goods for the peak season.

Supermarket chains such as BRG Mart/Hapro, Go!, Tops Market, AEON, Co.opmart and WinMart plan to raise inventories by 20% to 25% year-on-year, focusing on fresh food, beverages, confectionery and dried agricultural products.

Food safety remains a priority. Businesses have tightened supplier verification and quality controls to ensure products meet safety standards. These measures aim to sustain consumer confidence.

How is the city bringing Vietnamese goods to rural and suburban areas?

The department has coordinated with communes to assess demand and organize mobile sales points offering domestically produced goods with clear origins, focusing on essential and price-stabilized items.

During the Tet campaign, authorities and businesses organized 28 Vietnamese goods fairs across 26 communes. Retailers supplied goods equivalent to about 10% of total Tet sales value to suburban residents.

The city has instructed local authorities to provide venues, maintain security and sanitation and identify sites for permanent retail networks.

These markets have attracted strong participation and helped businesses reach local consumers.

Linking commerce with cultural events and traditional festivals has created a lively shopping atmosphere while promoting Vietnamese products, showcasing One Commune One Product items and preserving the capital’s identity.

Can Hanoi fully meet consumer demand during Tet 2026?

With early preparation by authorities and businesses, the city expects to maintain stable supplies and avoid shortages or sharp price increases.

Officials will continue monitoring the market, strengthening inspections and handling violations to ensure safe and confident shopping.

The goal is to secure abundant supply, reliable quality and reasonable prices.

How is market control being strengthened amid rising demand?

Following directives from the municipal People’s Committee and the city’s anti-smuggling steering committee, the department has launched a peak inspection campaign before, during and after Tet.

The holiday period often brings higher consumption and increased risks of smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods and substandard products.

Market surveillance forces are coordinating with police, customs and tax authorities to track developments and identify high-risk routes, locations and goods.

Inspections focus on e-commerce, the domestic market and airport channels.

Priority goods include fuel, gas, alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dietary supplements, milk, confectionery, soft drinks, electronics, household appliances, agricultural inputs and agricultural, forestry and seafood products.

With early planning, coordinated supply chains, expanded retail networks and strict oversight, Hanoi aims to keep shelves stocked and prices stable during Tet, allowing residents to celebrate with confidence.

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