Durian faces difficulties, fruit and vegetable exports stagnate

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT), fruit and vegetable exports in March were estimated at $421 million, down 10.5% compared to the same period last year. This marks the third consecutive month of declining export turnover, in stark contrast to 2024 when the industry surged from the beginning of the year and maintained strong growth throughout all 12 months.

Accumulated over the first 3 months of 2025, fruit and vegetable exports reached only $ 1.1 billion, a 13.2% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Explaining the cause of this decline, Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, stated that durian exports had dropped sharply in the early months of the year. Currently, the Chinese market is inspecting 100% of durian shipments entering the country for residues of Auramine O and cadmium. Meanwhile, Vietnamese exports are only tested based on a sampling rate. When the goods arrive at the Chinese border, they are re-tested, and if they fail to meet the standards, they are sent back. This has made it difficult not only for fresh durian but also for frozen durian products, discouraging many businesses from entering the market.

To boost fruit and vegetable exports in 2025, Nguyen suggested that in addition to China, businesses should expand exports to other markets such as the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

In reality, during the first two months of 2025, fruit and vegetable exports to the United States continued to increase by 65.5% compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting the opportunity for Vietnamese produce to expand in the U.S. market.

Besides the U.S., East Asian countries such as South Korea and Japan also present significant potential. In 2024, South Korea imported $315 million worth of fruits and vegetables from Vietnam, a 39% increase, making it Vietnam's third-largest market after China and the U.S.

According to Nguyen, among Vietnam's ten largest fruit and vegetable export markets, East Asia has more advantages compared to the U.S. The closer geographical distance shortens transportation time, reduces logistics costs, and enables faster response to consumer demand. These are key factors that favour Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports to this region.

$ 1 = VND 25.370 - Source: Vietcombank.