Global Lychee Market Booms as Vietnam Exports Triple

In an unprecedented surge, Vietnam's lychee exports soared to $35 million in June, with China leading the charge by accounting for $27 million of the total. This marks a 3.63-fold increase compared to the same period last year, according to the latest customs data.

Markets known for their stringent quality standards, including France, Australia, the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., have significantly increased their imports, with purchases growing by two to five times.

Record-Breaking First Half of 2025

The first six months of 2025 have seen lychee exports worth $45.4 million, a 92% increase year-on-year. Shipments to the top 10 markets have experienced growth rates ranging from 10% to an astonishing 2000%.

Why the Surge? International consumers are drawn to Vietnamese lychees for their affordability and high quality. More growing areas now meet global standards like VietGAP and GlobalGAP, as well as specific requirements in key markets such as the U.S., Japan, and the U.K.

Technological Advances and Quality Improvements

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, highlights the role of modern harvesting and preservation techniques in enhancing the quality and extending the shelf life of Vietnamese lychee. Collaboration between businesses and farmers ensures productivity and quality improvements at every stage, from planting to harvesting.

Currently in season, lychee prices range from VND8,000-20,000 (31-76 U.S. cents) per kilogram at the farm gate, with export-certified orchards fetching VND25,000-30,000. Abroad, the fruit sells for VND200,000-300,000 per kilogram.

Vietnam's Lychee Heartlands

Lychee, a summer specialty in Vietnam, thrives in the northern provinces, particularly Bac Giang and Hai Duong. These regions are renowned for their large, sweet lychees, which are highly sought after in demanding markets like Japan, Australia, the EU, and China.

This year's harvest is estimated at 250,000 tons, a 25% increase from 2024, with Bac Giang contributing 165,000 tons. Luc Ngan, known as the "lychee capital," boasts over 18,000 hectares of orchards and an annual output exceeding 100,000 tons.

Despite attempts to cultivate lychee in the Central Highlands and southern provinces, the climate remains a significant challenge.