Increased Scrutiny at Chinese Borders

Vietnamese durian exports to China are facing unprecedented challenges as customs inspections become more rigorous. Containers now take up to a week for clearance, a significant increase from the previous one or two days, due to 100% inspection rates for banned chemicals. This delay not only risks quality degradation but also results in damaged or cracked fruit by the time it reaches Chinese markets.

Price Drops and Export Declines

The stringent measures have forced Mekong Delta farmers to slash prices by 30%, with rates now at VND35,000-70,000 per kilogram. This price adjustment comes as durian exports to China plummeted by 83% year-on-year to $27 million in the first two months, a stark contrast to last year's figures.

Market Share Shifts and New Competitors

Vietnam's market share in China has dramatically decreased from 62% to 37%, while Thailand's share has surged to 62.3%. Despite similar strict inspections, Thailand's government-backed measures ensure high export volumes. Meanwhile, emerging competitors like Laos, Indonesia, and Cambodia are making significant inroads into the Chinese market, further complicating Vietnam's position.

Call for Government Intervention

Exporters and farmers are urging the Vietnamese government to implement on-site testing mechanisms and educational programs on compliant fertilizer use. With the current testing process taking a week, there's a pressing need for faster procedures and more approved testing centers to safeguard the quality and competitiveness of Vietnamese durian.