Lunar New Year Disrupted: Extreme Weather Hits Vietnam's Kumquat Tradition

This year, the festive spirit of Tet in Vietnam is clouded by extreme weather conditions which have marred the kumquat harvest, resulting in fluctuating prices and fewer sales.

In Vietnam, the arrival of the Lunar New Year, known as Tet, is marked by bright orange kumquat trees that signify good fortune. However, this year, the celebration is dampened as extreme weather — a devastating typhoon followed by sweltering heat — has disrupted the harvest and altered the dynamics of the kumquat market.

Potted kumquat trees, typically seen being precariously transported by motorbike through bustling city streets, are less prevalent this year. Farmers have reported a significant drop in sales and prices due to a combination of supply shortages and changing consumer preferences. As families look for more affordable alternatives like orchids and persimmons, the once cherished kumquat trees find themselves with dwindling demand.

Nguyen Thi Hoa, a kumquat farmer near Hanoi, shared her struggles as the aftermath of September's Typhoon Yagi left her with unsold inventory and despair. The typhoon devastated farmlands, leading to a loss of nearly half of her kumquat plants, contributing to a market now characterized by dismal sales and unhappy growers. This year's asking price of around 600,000 Vietnamese dong (approximately $24) for a kumquat tree is at least 40% lower than usual, reflecting the stark reality of a challenging year.

The kumquat tree is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, symbolizing the essence of Tet just as Christmas embodies the festive spirit in many Western countries. Consequently, the impact of unfavorable weather on supply chains and production is felt deeply across households and businesses, not just as economic losses but as a disruption to a beloved tradition. As Vietnam braces for the New Year, the once vibrant sights of kumquat trees are now tinged with uncertainty and a wistful longing for better days ahead.