According to the latest statistics from Vietnam Customs, total fruit and vegetable export turnover for the entire year reached over USD 8.56 billion, a nearly 20% increase compared to 2024. The Chinese market alone contributed approximately USD 5.5 billion, representing over 64% of the total export value and becoming the decisive driver for the industry's overall growth.
Compared to the previous year, fruit and vegetable exports to China surged by nearly 19%, equivalent to over USD 870 million. This marks the highest increase ever, both in absolute terms and proportional contribution. The accelerating momentum was evident in the final months of the year; in December 2025 alone, export turnover to this market reached approximately USD 523 million, up nearly 15% from the previous month and over 75% higher than the same period in 2024.
With this growth rate, Vietnam emerged as the fastest-growing nation among China's top 10 largest fruit and vegetable suppliers. Consequently, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable market share in China increased significantly from 18,27% to 22,55%, maintaining its position as the second largest supplier, trailing only Thailand.
The primary impetus behind this breakthrough came from key products, with durian playing a leading role. Demand for durian in China increased strongly, and Vietnam holds advantages in large output, an extended harvest season, and increasingly stable official export capabilities. Bananas also rapidly expanded their market share due to abundant supply, competitive pricing, and shorter transportation times compared to competitors from South America. Dragon fruit, while no longer experiencing explosive growth like in previous periods, maintained stable output, serving as a foundational element in the export structure to this market.
Compared to other major markets, China's role has become increasingly prominent. Fruit and vegetable export turnover to the US reached only about USD 547 million, accounting for over 6% of the total, while South Korea and Japan accounted for under 4% and 3% respectively. This disparity highlights that China was not only the largest market but also the growth engine for Vietnam's fruit and vegetable industry last year.
According to Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, this represents a record export level for the entire industry. He stated that despite considerable difficulties in the first half of 2025, when China implemented additional technical requirements and new control measures, Vietnamese enterprises quickly adapted. Enhancing product quality, improving production processes, strengthening traceability, and promoting official export channels helped Vietnamese fruits and vegetables achieve strong growth in the final months of the year.
Looking ahead to 2026, Nguyen anticipates continued growth potential for fruit and vegetable exports, though risks are also increasing. Starting in June 2026, China is expected to tighten traceability requirements further under Decrees 248 and 249. If enterprises do not adequately prepare cultivation area codes, packaging facilities, and compliance documentation, export activities to this market will face numerous challenges, particularly for high-volume products such as durian and bananas.
Thi Ha
