Durian prices surge ahead of Tet as off-season supply falters

Traders there are buying grade A (highest quality) Monthong durian for VND140,000 (US$5.4) per kilogram, the highest rate in two years.

Grade A Ri6 durian is selling for VND80,000, up 30-50% from November when the main harvest ended.

Nguyen Thanh, a trader in the region’s Dong Thap Province, said he has been unable to procure much durian despite repeatedly increasing his price.

A durian harvested at an orchard in the Mekong Delta in February 2026. Photo by Manh Khuong

Most of the country’s durian supply now comes from the off-season crop in the Mekong Delta from November to March, but farmers have reported lower harvests this year.

Cuong, who has a durian orchard in Can Tho City, said he had prepared his trees for Tet last year only for prices to plunge, and so he skipped the harvest this year and is instead nurturing the trees for the main season in April.

"Prices are very high, but there is no fruit left in the orchard to sell."

Dien, a farmer in Dong Thap Province, said many growers have similarly given up on the off-season crop this year since erratic weather drove up costs while reducing yields.

His output was down 30% from last year but he was able to sell around 200 kilograms of the fruit at VND130,000 per kilogram, he said.

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association said many orchards in the delta were devastated by floods a few months ago and are still recovering. High export demand has also added to the supply strain, it said.

Durian exports were worth $3.86 billion last year, a 20% increase from 2024, according to customs data.