Durian prices in the Mekong Delta plunge sharply

Currently, durian prices in the Mekong Delta are plunging sharply, especially for the Ri6 variety, leaving many orchard owners facing losses as selling prices fall below production costs. The main causes are identified as competitive pressure from Thai durian and difficulties in exporting to China.

According to records in early May, at local purchasing hubs, Grade A Ri6 durian is being bought at VND 42,000-45,000/kg, while Grade B is around VND 30,000/kg, down about 60% compared to over a month ago. Meanwhile, Thai durian varieties have also dropped by 50-60% but still maintain significantly higher prices, with Grade A at around VND 100,000/kg and Grade B at about VND 80,000/kg.

According to the Dong Thap Durian Association, the farmgate bulk purchase price for Ri6 durian has now fallen to just VND 25,000-30,000/kg, while Thai durian ranges from VND 50,000 to VND 60,000/kg. With average production costs of around VND 35,000/kg, Ri6 growers are losing VND 5,000-8,000/kg. In contrast, Thai durian growers can still achieve profits of VND 15,000-25,000/kg.

One of the key reasons for the sharp decline in durian prices is stricter regulations on prohibited substances (Auramine O) from the Chinese market. Many qualified testing laboratories authorized to issue export codes have temporarily suspended operations, disrupting customs clearance. This has led to rising inventories, putting significant downward pressure on domestic purchase prices.

At the same time, Thailand, Vietnam’s direct competitor, is entering its peak harvest season with large output, abundant supply, and stable quality, further disadvantaging Vietnamese durian in its key export market.

Vietnam’s durian industry targets export turnover of $4–4.5 billion in 2026, following nearly $3.9 billion in 2025. However, given current developments, this target faces considerable challenges, requiring coordinated solutions from quality control to market diversification.

$ 1 = VND 26,367 - Source: Vietcombank.