Fruit exports early this year are facing challenges due to rigorous quarantine measures

The Vietnam Fruit & Vegetables Association noted that exports at the beginning of the year have encountered significant difficulties, particularly with durian, the flagship product. The primary issue stems from China’s heightened quarantine standards for plant protection agents, specifically for durian, concerning the potential carcinogen Auramine O. These stringent tests have led to delays in product delivery, with several shipments subsequently being sold at lower prices in the domestic market.

As a result, several export enterprises canceled their durian shipments to China during the early months of the year. In February, companies began completing the process to participate in testing at the nine centers recognized by China. “There are only a few centers available, so Vietnam needs to promote them more effectively to avoid stagnation during the peak season,” said a leader from an export enterprise in Tien Giang.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, the Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruits and Vegetables Association, has stated that the export objective of USD 8 billion this year will be challenging to achieve if the testing barriers are not removed promptly. In addition to China, numerous other markets are also increasing their import standards. The United States has prohibited the use of seven active components in pesticide residues and mandates the use of planting zone codes and packaging codes issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Many varieties of fruits in Europe have undergone an increase in the pesticide residue inspection rate from 10% to 20%.

At present, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has made public a list of nine testing laboratories that have been acknowledged by both Vietnam and China as fulfilling the certification standards. This is the foundation upon which Vietnamese durians will continue to penetrate a market valued at nearly USD 10 billion.

Export activities have resumed with the licensing of the "Gold Standard" testing laboratories, and it is anticipated that durian prices will increase once more in the near future. The off-season for durian in Vietnam will run until the end of March. From mid-April, the primary durian harvest season will commence in the western provinces.

In 2023, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports set a new record of USD 7.15 billion, representing a 27.6% increase from the previous year. With the exception of the Netherlands, the majority of critical markets experienced growth rates that ranged from 10% to 80%.

The Agency of Foreign Trade, which is under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, suggests that farmers, cooperatives, and businesses enhance their linkages, enhance the quality of their products, and solidify the Vietnamese brand in the global market to guarantee sustainable growth.