Durian prices had been declining since the beginning of the year due to export difficulties. However, the situation has improved since June, as Vietnam tightened regulations and increased inspections. As a result, durian prices have started to rebound for over a week.

Surveys at wholesale markets show Monthong durian prices have increased from 70,000 VND to 80,000-90,000 VND per kilogram. Type B durian (2.5 compartments) is priced at 70,000-75,000 VND, 20% higher than last month and slightly higher than the same period last year. Ri 6 durian prices remain unchanged at 40,000-42,000 VND per kilogram for type A, 30,000-35,000 VND for type B, and 25,000-28,000 VND for type C.

In the Mekong Delta, Manh Khuong, a trader in Can Tho, reports that durian output is very low. This week, he has mainly been selling to the domestic market instead of collecting for export. This suggests that the supply from the Mekong Delta region is nearly depleted after the main harvest season.

The main supply has now shifted to the Central Highlands and Southeast regions. Thanh, a trader in Dak Lak, says the region is just at the beginning of the harvest season, so output is still limited, and fruit quality is uneven. "I can only collect about 1-2 tons per day, while export demand has increased, pushing up prices," he said.

The durian harvest season is coming to an end in the Mekong Delta region. Photo: Manh Khuong

The durian harvest season is coming to an end in the Mekong Delta region. Photo: Manh Khuong

In Dong Nai, Hieu, the owner of a large purchasing warehouse, says he is collecting durian for export to Taiwan and China, with the highest price for type A reaching 95,000 VND per kilogram. However, the biggest challenge is not only the low output but also the difficulty in collecting enough quality durian to meet export contracts, resulting in increased logistics and storage costs.

According to traders, prices may only stabilize in about two weeks when Dak Lak enters its peak harvest season, depending on market demand.

From a business perspective, Doan Van Ven, General Director of Anh Thu Dak Lak Co., Ltd., says the company has resumed exports to China after more than six months of difficulties. He notes that customs clearance and quarantine procedures have become faster and smoother. In January, his company had to turn back 10 containers of durian, totaling 170 tons, because they could not clear customs due to new regulations.

Statistics show that in the first three months of the year, durian export revenue was less than 100 million USD per month. It increased to over 100 million USD in April and reached 204 million USD in May. After five months, durian exports only reached 387 million USD, a decrease of nearly 58% compared to the same period last year. In June, revenue increased significantly to over 300 million USD, and in July, it is estimated to reach 350-400 million USD. Thus, in the first seven months of the year, durian exports are estimated to exceed 1 billion USD.

According to the Plant Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), durian exports have improved significantly, especially for frozen products. Export activities are expected to peak from now until the end of the year as the Central Highlands enters its main harvest season. The department is coordinating with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to support and promote these efforts.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development recently issued Decision 3015 on "Food Safety Control Procedures for Fresh Durian Exports". This is the first time a fruit has its own control mechanism, from cultivation to export.

Thi Ha