Economy

Frozen Durian Exports Skyrocket: A 300% Surge in the First Half of the Year

Surge in Frozen Durian Exports

At a recent press briefing, Do Hong Khanh, Chief of the department’s Office, revealed that nearly 130,000 tonnes of fresh durian had been exported in the first half of the year, across 5,217 shipments. This marks a significant milestone in the durian export industry.

Durians in Ben Tre Province, March 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam

Market Diversification and Deep Processing

The remarkable increase in frozen durian exports is largely due to favorable market-opening policies, including the export protocol signed with China in August 2024. The ministry’s guidance and local authorities’ efforts have enabled businesses to diversify their markets and reduce reliance on fresh durian exports.

Future Prospects and Challenges

China’s approval of nearly 1,000 additional planting areas and packing facility codes is expected to boost fresh durian exports from the third quarter of 2025. However, compliance with food safety regulations remains crucial for the sector’s export prospects.

Investment in Modern Processing

Frozen durian continues to show strong export potential, with many enterprises investing in modern processing lines and cold storage systems to meet international standards. This investment is key to accessing markets like China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the EU.

Regulatory Support and Digital Oversight

The department has taken steps to support trade, including inviting Chinese customs officials for inspections and expanding lab capacity. Additionally, the national database of durian planting areas and packing facility codes has been fully digitized to enhance traceability and oversight.