Dragon fruit exports soar in US and Europe despite decline in China market

Exports to the U.S. doubled to US$13 million, and increased by 2.7 times to US$1 million to the U.K. and 2.3 times to $786,000 to Germany.

Shipments to India were up 33% at $16.5 million.

But overall exports fell 7.5% to $230 million as China’s imports fell by 19.3% to $162 million, down year-on-year.

Fruit exporters in HCMC said consumers in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and India are showing increasing preference for Vietnamese produce, and they expect further growth this year.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruits & Vegetables Association, said unfavorable weather has caused a decline in dragon fruit production in Mexico and South American countries, creating an opportunity for Vietnamese exports.

Vietnam is also seeing a decline in production due to a heatwave.

Dragon fruit hub Binh Thuan Province has seen its farming area declining by 4% year-on-year to 26,500 hectares.