Durian exports top $3B despite October drop

China, the largest export market, slashed imports by 70% from September while shipments to Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea fell by 40-56%, according to customs data.

Cambodia, which was ramping up imports of the fruit in the first nine months, did not buy at all from Vietnam in October.

Exports were worth just US$212 million during the month, a 68.4% fall from September and 40% lower than a year ago, with China accounting for $190 million.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said the sharp decline was due to climate change affecting durian yield and quality and a supply squeeze as the Central Highlands’ main harvest season, which usually runs from August to October, ended prematurely.

Off-season fruit harvested in some places in that region and other key growing areas such as the Mekong Delta did not meet export quality standards.

Extreme weather, including prolonged rains and intense heat, prevented trees in these regions from sustaining flowers, or even producing them in some places.

Only 30-50% of trees in the Mekong Delta have yielded off-season fruits so far.

The low off-season output means exports might not meet the $3.5 billion target for full-year 2024, Nguyen said.

Revised forecasts now have fruit and vegetable exports at $7 billion this year, with durian accounting for $3.2 billion.

Vietnam has around 154,000 hectares under durian and an annual output of nearly 1.2 million tons.

It shipped 500,000 tons of durian worth over $2.2 billion last year, with 90% going to China.

Experts said, to achieve sustainable growth, the durian industry must not only address climate change challenges but also reduce its dependence on the Chinese market and target new markets like the U.S., Japan and South Korea.