Chinese kiwifruit imports drag down prices on huge volumes

Loan in HCMC was surprised to see green and gold kiwifruits at supermarkets at VND80,000–120,000, and called the price "rarely seen."

Red kiwifruits, a popular variety in China and considered a premium variety, are sold at VND109,000. The cheap kiwifruits are mostly sold at retail chains like Go!, Bach Hoa Xanh and Kingfood.

Kiwifruits sold at a market in Vietnam. Photo by Minh Ngoc

But imports from New Zealand and France continue to remain costly. New Zealand green kiwifruits are priced at around VND139,000, admittedly lower than last year but still much higher than Chinese imports.

In the past the fruit used to be imported almost exclusively from New Zealand, but this year supply from China has surged thanks to rising demand sue to high quality and traceability.

Hong Anh, owner of a fruit shop in HCMC, said Chinese kiwifruits may not be as visually appealing as those from New Zealand or France, but their quality has become reliable, attracting especially price-conscious buyers.

Ngoc, a HCMC trader specialising in wholesale kiwifruits, too said Chinese kiwifruit prices have dropped sharply due to demand.

"Each shipment I import consists of thousands of cartons. Demand is clearly stronger than in previous years."

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said modern propagation technology has helped China become a leading supplier of low-priced agricultural products.

Many fruits that once commanded high prices in Vietnam and Japan have become mass items after being produced on a large scale in China, he explained.

Customs data shows Vietnam imported some $3 billion worth of fruits and vegetables in 2025, up 24% from the previous year. China remained the leading source with imports exceeding $1 billion.