In the past 9 months, export turnover of Vietnam’s vegetables and fruits has reached over 5.6 billion USD, equal to the whole year 2023. It is forecast that by the end of this year, this group can set a new record.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the growth of vegetable and fruit exports in the first months of this year was mainly due to the sharp increase in durian exports to China. Durian is now the most exported item, with more than 2.1 billion USD in 8 months of 2024, an increase of 67.7% over the same period last year. In addition, exports of longan, coconut, mango, and betel nuts also increased sharply.
Particularly, dragon fruit exports are still in a downward trend. In 8 months of 2024, the export turnover of this product decreased by 19.4% compared to the same period in 2023, to 358.9 million USD, accounting for 9.8%.
Durian exports contribute greatly to the fruits and vegetables industry.
In August 2024, Vietnam and China signed two protocols on inspection, phytosanitary, and food safety requirements for Vietnam’s frozen durian and fresh coconut exports to China. The above two protocols will be the basis for stronger growth in exports of these two items in the last quarter of the year.
In the fourth quarter, vegetable and fruit exports continue to be supported by increased demand from world markets at the end of the year, especially the Chinese market, along with efficiency from trade agreements and protocols.
Overall, in 2024, the export turnover of vegetables and fruits is expected to reach over 7 billion USD, up more than 25% compared to 2023. This will be a new record for this group.
Earlier in 2023, the vegetables and fruits group achieved the most impressive growth rate, with a record turnover of 5.69 billion USD, up 69.2% compared to 2022. This was also the first group that opened up the 5 billion USD “club.”.
At the end of 2023, Vietnam had 14 agricultural products with “visa” for official export to China. This year, Vietnam has just exported official batches of fresh coconuts to this market.
According to forecasts, by 2025, China’s durian demand could reach 20 billion USD, and the world’s total is 28.6 billion USD. Durian consumption in the Chinese market is very large. Even durian from all export countries in Southeast Asia is not enough to meet this demand.
Meanwhile, compared to other countries in the region, Vietnam’s durian exported to China has many competitive advantages in terms of logistics and quality.