Durian quality, prices expected to improve as rain eases in Central Highlands

The harvest of the fruit, usually done from mid-July to October, was off to a rough start last month as constant rain caused the durian to fall prematurely or develop tough, water-soaked and flavorless flesh, as reported by HCMC-based newspaper Phap Luat Online.

But with the weather brightening, orchards are now seeing better crops and feeling optimistic about the remainder of the season.

Nguyen Anh Son, who owns three hectares of the fruit in Dak Lak Province’s Krong Pak District, told Tuoi Tre Online newspaper that his durians are selling for VND70,000-75,000 (US$2.8-3) per kilogram, up from the VND20,000-40,000 a few weeks ago.

Dak Lak, the Central Highlands’ main durian growing area, has only harvested 30% of its expected output this year, and expects to complete the remainder over the next month and a half.

Ngo Van Duc, who works for an export company in HCMC, said if the weather remains stable with less rainfall, farmers could prevent their fruits from going bad.

"If the fruits’ quality improves, they could sell for up to VND80,000 per kilogram or even more if they qualify for export to China."

The durian season in Thailand, Vietnam’s biggest rival, ended in mid-July, roughly the same time the main harvest in Vietnam's Southwestern and Southeastern regions.

Meanwhile, durian in the Central Highlands, which accounts for half of the country’s durian growing area, usually enters its season around this time, getting a significant export advantage as there is virtually no competition.

Vietnam exported US$1.32 billion worth of the strong-smelling fruit in the first six months of 2024, up 46% year-on-year, according to customs data.

China was the largest buyer, accounting for over 92% of this, as its imports increased by 46%.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Monday signed several protocols with China’s General Administration of Customs that allows Vietnam to officially export frozen durians.

The ministry expects frozen durian exports to be worth $400-500 million this year and $1 billion in 2025.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, told Lao Dong Online that with frozen durian granted entry to the Chinese market, overall exports of the fruit could exceed $3 billion this year. This would mark a 30% increase from 2023.