Durian exports rise by 45% in first half

It accounted for 65% of all fruit exports during the period and is growing increasingly popular in many key markets.

China was the largest importer, accounting for over 92% of Vietnam's durian exports.

Its imports increased by 46% from the same period last year.

Thailand was the second largest market for Vietnamese durian, with shipments increasing by 90.5% to $47 million.

Exports to Japan doubled from a year ago to $2.6 million. Cambodia bought $1.6 million worth of the fruit from Vietnam, a 23-fold increase.

Currently the monthong variety is the most favored for its taste, aroma, small seeds, firm texture, and longer shelf life.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, expected durian exports to skyrocket in the second half, fueled by the harvest of the fruit in the Central Highlands from July to October.

Furthermore, Vietnam and China have wrapped up negotiations and will soon sign a protocol for the export of frozen durian.

With all this in the works, Nguyen expected exports for the year to hit $3 billion.

But there are challenges, he said, with some shipments to China recently being flagged for containing banned substances.

Vietnamese authorities have been discussing the issue with their Chinese counterparts and investigating the cause.

Inspections have indicated that the contamination did not occur at orchards, and so traders, packaging facilities and exporters have been urged to strictly comply with quality control regulations.