Fruit exports slump as durian shipments face stricter quality requirements

Only 3,500 tons of durian were shipped as of mid-February, an 80% drop from a year earlier, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.

The fruit normally accounts for nearly half of all fruit and vegetable exports.

China, the largest market for durian, on Jan. 10 began requiring certification proving shipments are free of auramine O, or basic yellow 2, a potentially carcinogenic chemical.

It has also been inspecting all durian shipments from Vietnam, delaying customs clearance and increasing the risk of spoilage.

Businesses have had to redirect shipments back to the domestic market.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the association, said the new requirements have caused many businesses to halt exports as they prepare the necessary documentation.

Durians harvested in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam

Taiwan has also started inspecting every batch of Vietnamese durian after substandard shipments were discovered last August.

The EU doubled its inspection rate to 20% late last year after detecting excessive pesticide residues.

Besides, durian exports have also slowed down due to the longer Tet (Lunar New Year) holidays, which lasted this year from Jan. 25 to Feb. 2.

Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T, said the export company is finalizing procedures and plans to resume durian exports to China by the end of February.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has introduced stricter quality control measures for durian growers and stepped up efforts to monitor, warn and punish violators.

It is also negotiating the removal of some technical barriers and exploring new markets to help increase fruit and vegetable exports.