Spanning from 1954 to 1986 in Northern Vietnam, the echoes of the “subsidy period” persisted into the early 1990s.
These images depict the lifestyle, economy, and social conditions that existed several decades ago. During that time, goods were distributed by the state under a rationing system; free trade was not allowed, and people were not permitted to transport goods from one locality to another.
People queuing to park their bicycles before shopping.
Scene of trading at a state-run store.
State traders.
Traders showing customers liquor.
At a fabric store.
Shoe store.
People waiting in line to buy meat.
Meat traders.
A state trading shop.
At a beer store.
A mother carrying her child on the road.
Radios were a luxury item back then.
Food ration stamp of 100g.
Mobile meat supply coupon.
Fabric purchase coupon.
Food purchase coupon.
Bicycle spare parts purchase coupon.
Food ration stamp of 25g.
Food ration stamp of 50g.
Motorcycle and scooter fuel purchase coupon.
Fabric purchase stamp.
Food purchase book.
Fuel purchase coupon.
Shopping coupon.
Radio registration certificate.
Food purchase table for different categories.
Announcement of items sold during Tet.
