Viet Nam prepares for pomelo exports to China

While exports of several fruits, including durian, bananas, and jackfruit, have continued to grow, Viet Nam's pomelo exports have declined. In the second quarter of this year, pomelo exports reached USD 21 million, down 6.1% from the first quarter and 8.1% from the second quarter of 2025.

Against this backdrop, the early entry of Vietnamese pomelos into the Chinese market would be of great significance to Viet Nam's pomelo industry in particular and the country's fruit exports in general, especially after Viet Nam and China signed a protocol in April this year on phytosanitary requirements for exported pomelos and lemons.

Following the signing of the protocol, many Vietnamese fruit enterprises have been expediting the necessary procedures to begin exporting pomelos to China as soon as possible. Among them is Chanh Thu Fruit Export-Import Group Joint Stock Company. Viet Nam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper (VAN News) spoke with Ms. Ngo Tuong Vy, CEO of Chanh Thu, about the company's preparations and outlook for the Chinese market.

Since the protocol allowing the official export of Vietnamese pomelos to China was signed, how has Chanh Thu prepared for pomelo exports to the Chinese market, Madam?

Since Viet Nam and China finalized the protocol for the official export of pomelos to the Chinese market, Chanh Thu has begun preparing on multiple fronts. We have focused on expanding and strengthening export-qualified raw material areas while coordinating with local authorities to help farmers establish and maintain planting area codes and packing facility codes in compliance with the requirements of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

At the same time, the company has tightened control of its production process in line with VietGAP standards, implemented a comprehensive traceability system, and strengthened controls over pesticide residues, pests, and other phytosanitary requirements stipulated in the protocol.

On the market front, Chanh Thu has been working with importers, distribution systems, and retail chains in China to prepare for the launch of Vietnamese pomelos, ensuring the fruit reaches Chinese consumers as soon as export approval is granted. Drawing on our extensive experience in officially exporting fruit to numerous demanding markets, particularly China, we believe that pomelos will soon become one of the company's key next export products.

As Chanh Thu prepares to export pomelo to China, what challenges has the company encountered that need to be addressed to significantly expand the area and output of export-qualified pomelos?

The biggest challenge facing the company today lies not only in meeting the Chinese market's technical requirements but also in building farmers' confidence so that they are willing to partner with us over the long term.

To comply with the protocol, pomelo growers must adopt several new farming practices, particularly fruit bagging to control pests and insects. They must also strictly follow regulations on pesticide use, maintain production records, and ensure full product traceability. These new requirements will take time to implement, as growers need training, technical guidance, and support to adapt to the new standards.

To address these challenges, Chanh Thu has deployed technical teams directly to growing areas to train and guide farmers in implementing production practices that comply with Chinese import requirements. More importantly, we are not only providing technical guidance but also committing to long-term partnerships through linkage contracts, guaranteeing the purchase of fruit from growers whose orchards meet all required standards.

We believe that when businesses and farmers share responsibilities, benefits, and a common commitment throughout the value chain, the area of export-qualified plantations will continue to expand, laying a solid foundation for the sustainable growth of Vietnamese pomelos in the Chinese market.

How do you assess the Chinese pomelo market, as well as the opportunities and competitiveness of Vietnamese pomelos in it, madam?

China is one of the world's largest fruit markets, with strong purchasing power and diverse consumer demand. Chinese consumers are increasingly concerned about product quality, food safety, and traceability. This presents a significant opportunity for Vietnamese pomelos, provided we can consistently meet the market's quality and traceability requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos have many competitive advantages, including their distinctive flavor, juicy flesh, delicate sweetness, attractive appearance, and the ability to supply the market at different times of the year. In particular, famous pomelo varieties such as green-skinned pomelo have earned strong recognition from domestic and international consumers for their quality.

However, China is also a highly competitive market, with suppliers from many exporting countries as well as strong domestic production. To achieve sustainable growth, Vietnamese exporters not only compete on prices but also need to focus on delivering stable quality, building brands, enhancing processing and post-harvest preservation capabilities, and developing professional supply chains.

I believe that if the State, local authorities, businesses, and farmers work closely together to develop export-compliant growing areas and strictly adhere to the importing market's regulations, Vietnamese pomelos can firmly establish their position in China and become one of the country's high-value export products in the coming times.

According to CEO of Chanh Thu Ngo Tuong Vy, securing stable outputs gives farmers the confidence to invest in production, comply with required cultivation practices, and gradually build trust in the linkage model between businesses and farmers.