Preliminary data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs shows fruit and vegetable exports reached 807 million USD in June, a 30.8% increase compared to the previous month and a 20.2% increase year-on-year. This marks the first month of positive growth this year after five consecutive months of decline. Thanks to this boost, total export value for the first half of the year reached 3.1 billion USD, narrowing the decline compared to the first few months of the year to just 6.7% year-on-year.

Among key markets, China remains the largest partner, although export value in the first six months decreased by 30%. However, this decline has narrowed significantly compared to the beginning of the year, suggesting an improving trend.

Notably, the US is emerging as a new bright spot, with exports to this market increasing by over 60% year-on-year. Other markets such as Japan, the Netherlands, and Australia also recorded increases ranging from 20% to 80%.

Off-season durian harvest in Cai Lay Town, Tien Giang Province. Photo: Hoang Nam

Off-season durian harvest in Cai Lay Town, Tien Giang Province. Photo: Hoang Nam

Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T Group, said exports to China faced several obstacles in the first few months of the year due to strict quarantine measures. However, since June, customs clearance procedures have become more streamlined, helping many products to recover.

In addition, exports to the US, Canada, and Japan have also shown positive growth. "Even with increased input costs due to tariffs, US consumers are still willing to buy. We are prepared to share costs with partners initially to maintain stable prices," he said.

Tung believes that because Vietnam currently imports many fruits and vegetables from the US, the possibility of bilateral negotiations for tariff exemptions is clear. "The principle is that for any product Vietnam imports in large quantities, the US will reconsider the tariff level. Fruits and vegetables are among the groups with relatively low advantages and need to be included in negotiations soon," he emphasized.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, predicts positive developments for fruit and vegetable exports in the last six months of the year. Fresh coconuts and durian are two notable products with strong demand from both China and the US.

Nguyen also believes that if the current growth momentum is maintained, the total annual export value of fruits and vegetables could reach between 6 and 6.5 billion USD.

Thi Ha