Viet Nam's frozen durian exports record triple-digit growth

Frozen durian exports are experiencing remarkable growth. According to data from Vietnam Customs, in the first eight months of the year, frozen durian exports reached over 58,000 tons, valued at 265 million USD, up 67% in volume and 127% in value compared to the same period in 2024.

In contrast, fresh durian exports sharply declined during the same period, with only about 451,000 tons shipped, worth 1.52 billion USD - a drop of 24% in volume and 25% in value year-on-year.

Fresh durian exports declined over the first eight months, mainly due to sharp drops early in the year when many shipments to China were flagged for excessive cadmium residues and the presence of Auramine O. Since May, however, fresh durian exports have rebounded and shown strong month-by-month growth.

Preliminary statistics from Vietnam Customs show that in August alone, fresh durian exports reached 156,000 tons, worth 513 million USD. This shows an increase of 76% in volume and 73% in value compared to July. Year-on-year, exports in August rose 14% in volume and 3.5% in value compared to August 2024.

Thanks to the robust growth in frozen durian exports and the recovery of fresh durian, overall durian exports in the first eight months of 2025, while still down from the same period in 2024, have narrowed the gap significantly compared to the start of the year. By the end of August, total durian exports (fresh and frozen combined) reached 508,000 tons, valued at 1.8 billion USD, which decreased by 19% in volume and 16% in value year-on-year.

Despite the decline, durian remains Vietnam’s number one fruit export and the main driver behind the strong recovery of fruit and vegetable exports, which are hitting new records.

According to estimates by the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports in September 2025 reached 1.4 billion USD, up 47.2% from August and 52.7% from September 2024. This marks the first time in history that monthly fruit and vegetable export revenue has surpassed 1 billion USD. The strong growth of durian exports was the key factor behind this milestone.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), noted that September is usually the peak month for durian output and exports, as it coincides with the primary harvest season in the Central Highlands - Vietnam’s largest durian-growing region.

In addition, Chinese traders often increase imports of food products, including durian, in September to meet demand for the Mid-Autumn Festival and China’s National Day (October 1). During these celebrations, confectionery consumption surges, and many products use durian as an ingredient.

Another favorable factor is that in September, durian supply from other Southeast Asian countries was nearly absent, giving Vietnam an advantage in boosting exports to China and setting a new monthly record in fruit and vegetable export value.

Notably, durian exports are also expanding strongly beyond China to other markets. According to Vietnam Customs, in the first eight months of 2025, durian exports to Hong Kong rose 86%, Taiwan 73%, Papua New Guinea 53%, the United States 28%, Canada 49%, and Japan 16%.

Besides durian, exports of many other fruits have also grown significantly since the beginning of the year. In the first eight months of 2025, banana exports reached 280 million USD (up 9.4%); mangoes 205 million USD (up 13%); fresh coconuts 115 million USD (up 15%); and lychees 72 million USD (up 312%).

With the September export record, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports for the first nine months of 2025 are estimated at 6.217 billion USD, up 10.3% compared to the same period in 2024.

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association predicts that fruit and vegetable exports in 2025 will surpass 8 billion USD and could well reach the 10-billion-USD milestone in the near future. Vietnam’s durian enters its peak harvest season from June to September. In 2024, durian was a leading export among Vietnam’s fruits and vegetables, earning a record of 3.3 billion USD and accounting for 46% of the sector’s total export value.