Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports hit a record $1.3 billion in September, up 41% year-on-year, according to preliminary data from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association (VINAFRUIT). This surge marks the sector's first return to growth this year after a period of decline. Total exports for the first 9 months of the year reached over $6.1 billion, an 8.3% increase compared to the same period last year.
The primary driver of this recovery is China, which accounts for approximately 60% of Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports. In September alone, exports to China reached nearly $800 million.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, VINAFRUIT's General Secretary, attributed the increased demand to China's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, which boosted the demand for durian as a mooncake filling. "Compared to other exporting countries, Vietnamese durian is currently the cheapest and most competitive, aligning with the price-conscious Chinese consumer market," Nguyen said.
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Durian harvest in Cai Lay Town, Tien Giang Province. Photo: Hoang Nam |
Durian harvest in Cai Lay Town, Tien Giang Province. Photo: Hoang Nam
Nguyen anticipates October will be a peak period for durian exports as the main harvest concludes, with Vietnam still having an off-season supply in November and December. During this period, other durian-producing countries have limited supply, giving Vietnamese produce a competitive edge and maintaining high prices.
Beyond durian, other fruits are also benefiting from the winter season, a time when many countries face harvesting challenges. Vietnam's favorable climate and logistical advantages, including direct road, rail, and seaport connections to China, reduce transportation costs and time.
Since the beginning of the year, with China tightening import controls, many Vietnamese businesses have invested in improving processes from cultivation to packaging. They have also built more cold storage facilities, upgraded preservation technology, updated packaging, and developed their own brands to meet market demands. These efforts contribute to a more sustainable export recovery.
Domestically, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has issued Decision 3015, establishing a specific control process for durian exports, a significant precedent for opening doors to other agricultural products.
With continued demand from China and the recovery of major markets like the US, South Korea, and Japan, the fruit and vegetable sector is expected to achieve further record-breaking results. The total export value for this year is projected to reach $8 billion.
Thi Ha
