Extreme Weather Disrupts Vietnam's Lunar New Year Kumquat Tradition

Vietnam's Lunar New Year celebrations, heavily reliant on kumquat trees for good fortune, face disruption due to a typhoon and extreme heat, leading to price instability and unsold inventory among farmers.

In Vietnam, the period leading up to the Lunar New Year, known as Tet, is marked by the vibrant appearance of kumquat trees. These potted trees, adorned with small orange fruits, are a prevalent symbol of prosperity and are often seen being transported on motorbikes, creating a colorful ceaseless flow in cities like Hanoi. However, this year’s celebrations are marred by the impacts of extreme weather—specifically, a devastating typhoon and severe heat—which have significantly affected the harvest and prices of these beloved plants.

Earlier in the season, the arrival of Typhoon Yagi resulted in heavy flooding across northern Vietnam, adversely impacting the growth of kumquat trees and other ornamental plants critical for Tet. Farmers like Nguyen Thi Hoa lament the loss of significant portions of their crops. "Floodwaters killed about half of the 500 trees I planted," she shares with evident sadness, as unsold kumquat trees linger nearby, their prices plummeting to 600,000 Vietnamese dong (approximately $24), which is significantly lower than typical years.

The typhoon's aftermath saw a short-term spike in kumquat prices due to the reduced supply, but as consumer confidence waned, demand swiftly declined. Buyers are opting for smaller kumquats or cheaper alternatives like orchids and persimmon branches this year, leading to a surplus of unsold inventory for farmers. "We're all in a sad mood," Hoa reflects, capturing the shared disappointment among her peers, as the festive spirit is colored by the struggle for economic stability amidst the chaos of climate challenges.

Kumquat trees are not just plants; they symbolize deeply-rooted traditions and are essential to the holiday spirit, comparable to Christmas in Western cultures. With many households and businesses prominently displaying these trees, the shift in the market speaks to larger challenges faced by Vietnamese farmers, whose livelihoods are increasingly at risk due to unpredictable weather patterns. As Tet approaches, the question remains whether these beloved trees will regain their rightful place in homes across Vietnam—a task complicated by both natural disasters and changing consumer behavior.