According to data from the Customs Department, July alone saw export revenue reach $379 million, a 35.4% increase compared to the previous month. China remains the largest market, accounting for over 87% of exports with a value exceeding $1 billion, although this represents a 28% decrease year-on-year. Conversely, several other markets experienced significant growth. Hong Kong's imports reached nearly $35 million, an 85% increase, while Taiwan, the US, and Japan all saw double-digit growth. With the exception of Thailand, which experienced a 49% decline, all other markets increased imports from 14% to 1,000%.

Businesses reported that export activities in the first half of the year faced numerous difficulties due to control procedures in China, leading to delays for many shipments. However, the situation has now improved, with even companies previously unable to export resuming their activities.

Durian orchard in Tay Ninh. Photo: Hoang Nam

Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, noted that durian exports are growing again, particularly to mainland China, Taiwan, the US, and Hong Kong. He predicts that during the upcoming peak season (September-October), monthly export revenue could reach $500-550 million.

However, according to Nguyen, durian prices are unlikely to return to their peak levels of 2023-2024 due to abundant global supply. In addition to Thailand and Vietnam, several other countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos, are also exporting officially to China.

One positive development is that Vietnamese businesses have improved their control over technical indicators such as Ochratoxin A and cadmium, factors that previously led to rejected shipments. Many companies now require growers and traders to test for quality before purchase, thus increasing the customs clearance rate.

The current period also coincides with the harvest season in Southeast and the Central Highlands, two regions with advantages in chemical residue control. This has further facilitated exports to China.

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association expects fruit and vegetable exports to remain positive in the final months of the year, particularly for key products like frozen durian and coconut. Total export revenue for the year could reach $7 billion, approaching last year's level.

Thi Ha