Fruit and veg exports surpass $2 billion

According to a preliminary report by the Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetables Association (Vinafruit), fruit and vegetable exports have maintained positive growth momentum in the early months of 2026, continuing to be a bright spot of the agricultural sector.

Specifically, in April 2026, fruit and vegetable export turnover reached nearly USD 532 million, almost the same as the previous month and up 1.5% compared to the same period in 2025.

Cumulatively in the first four months of the year, exports reached approximately USD 2.06 billion, a sharp increase of 22% from the same period last year, indicating that international demand for Vietnamese agricultural products remains stable.

Particularly, the export market structure for fruits and vegetables has continued to expand. China retained its position as the largest market, accounting for more than 50% of total share in the first three months, with turnover reaching nearly USD 779 million, up 49% compared to the same period.

Meanwhile, markets in the U.S., South Korea, and Japan maintained steady growth, while other markets, including the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Germany, recorded strong increases, reflecting a growing trend of market diversification.

Greater penetration into demanding markets not only enhances export value but also encourages enterprises to pay greater attention to quality, standards, and traceability. These are key factors in improving the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products.

On the import side, fruit and vegetable imports also increased, primarily to meet domestic consumption needs and diversify supply sources. However, the sector's trade balance remained strongly in surplus, reaching nearly USD 998 million in the first four months of the year.

According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetables Association, the current growth performance demonstrates that the fruit and vegetable sector is effectively leveraging opportunities from international markets while gradually affirming its solid position among Viet Nam's key agricultural export commodities.

However, amid persistently high logistics costs and ongoing volatility in global trade, sustaining growth momentum will largely depend on the sector's ability to enhance added value, proactively develop raw material areas, build brands, and expand markets in a sustainable manner.

Notably, the first shipment of Viet Nam’s green-skinned pomelos officially exported to Australia after two years of negotiations not only opens the door to a demanding market but also demonstrates the growing capacity of Vietnamese agricultural products to meet stringent standards.

At the same time, the completion of the Protocol on exporting pomelos and lemons to the Chinese market is expected to create additional growth momentum, contributing to enhancing fruit and vegetable export turnover this year.