Stricter Scrutiny Leads to Significant Drop in Exports

Following Chinese authorities' tighter scrutiny of residues of banned substances, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports to China experienced a dramatic 80% drop earlier in the year, before stabilizing to a 15% decrease by 2025.

Global Markets Show Increased Demand

Despite the challenges in China, other markets including the U.S., Japan, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and Australia have shown a growing appetite for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, with imports increasing by 13-40%.

Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam: Durians seen in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap.

Recovery and Opportunities Ahead

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, highlights the recovery of fruit and vegetable exports, attributing it to improved safety controls. The establishment of a dedicated food safety control process for exports like durian signals potential breakthroughs in the Chinese market.

Shifting Consumer Preferences

Chinese consumers' growing preference for processed fruits and vegetables presents an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to diversify and stabilize output, according to Nguyen.

Strategic Recommendations for Vietnamese Businesses

Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy suggests prioritizing produce such as passion fruit, coconut, bird’s nest, and citrus fruits, alongside tropical fruits, to establish more sustainable supply chains and reduce Vietnam's trade deficit with China.