Revival of Durian Exports

After a period of decline, Vietnam's durian exports to China have experienced a significant rebound, with a 70% increase last month, reaching $360 million, as reported by Vietnam customs.

Key Factors Behind the Surge

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, notes the stabilization of durian shipments since May. Nguyen Dinh Tung of Vina T&T Group highlights the crucial role of frozen durian in this recovery, with his company exporting around 20 containers monthly to China.

Farmers harvest durians in Tien Giang Province, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam

Meeting China's Quality Standards

Vietnamese exporters have made significant progress in complying with China's stringent quality requirements, such as minimizing cadmium residues. This effort has led to higher acceptance rates, with many now conducting pre-procurement quality tests.

Future Prospects

With the durian harvest season underway in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands, exports could reach $500-550 million monthly during the peak season. However, prices may not return to previous highs due to increasing global supply.

Regional Competition

Vietnam faces competition from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos in the Chinese durian market. Despite this, the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association remains optimistic about achieving $6.5-7 billion in fruit and vegetable exports this year.