With a production reaching nearly 721,000 tons, an increase of 50.2% compared to the same period in 2023, Vietnam has captured a significant share of the durian market in China.
The Chinese durian market was vibrant in 2024, but growth has somewhat slowed compared to forecasts. Vietnam has seized this opportunity to boost exports, while Thailand has faced considerable difficulties.
According to the latest data from Chinese Customs, this country imported 1.53 million tons of durian in 11 months of 2024, a slight increase of 3.9% compared to the same period last year. However, the average import price decreased by 5.1%, down to 4,464 USD per ton. Experts believe that this slowdown in growth is due to the difficult economic situation affecting the purchasing power of Chinese consumers. In addition, the supply of durian from major exporting countries like Vietnam and Thailand has also been limited due to adverse weather conditions.
China increases its purchase of Vietnam’s durians by more than 50%.
In 11 months of 2024, the amount of durian imported from Vietnam reached nearly 721,000 tons, an increase of 50.2% compared to the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, Thai durian exports to China decreased by 13%, remaining at over 796,000 tons.
With this growth momentum, Vietnam is gradually narrowing the gap with Thailand and has the potential to lead in durian exports to the world’s second-largest economy in 2025.
According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, Vietnam’s geographical distance to China helps reduce transportation costs and time. The extended harvest, which does not coincide with Thailand’s, is an advantage to ensure the supply. If not affected by climate change, Vietnam could even surpass Thailand in export volume.
Production increased significantly, but the export price of Vietnamese durian only reached nearly 4,000 USD per ton, lower than the 5,000 USD of Thailand. This caused Vietnam’s export turnover to reach nearly 2.9 billion USD, an increase of 38% compared to the same period, but still lower than Thailand (3.9 billion USD, a decrease of 12.5%).
Despite being favored by the neighboring country, Vietnamese farmers and businesses need to strictly follow the regulations in the protocol with China. Stable quality and a strong brand are decisive factors in competing with Thailand and other countries.
In addition to Vietnam, China has also increased its purchase of this agricultural product from the Philippines. By the end of November 2024, the import value from this country reached over 13 million USD, an increase of 3.5 times compared to the last year.
Vietnam’s export of durian is expected to increase in 2025 to 3.5 billion USD, contributing to the target of 8 billion USD for vegetable and fruit exports.