Fruit, vegetable exports surge on higher demand in key markets

Major buyers like China, Thailand and South Korea increased their imports from Vietnam by 30-60%, and some other key markets by 10-50%, the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association said.

China had accounted for $1.7 billion in just the first five months.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, the association’s general secretary, said Vietnam has advantages when it comes to exporting to China due to geographical proximity and similarity in cuisine.

Durian is in great demand there, he added.

China would soon sign protocols enabling Vietnam to export frozen durian and some other agricultural products such as medicinal herbs, coconut and frozen fruits, he said.

If businesses can capitalize on this, fruit and vegetable exports could increase by 15-20% in the second half and top $7 billion for the year, he said.

They need to strictly comply with regulations and ensure that their goods are of high quality since China has been raising the bar for imports and recently warned Vietnam about the quality of its exports, he said.

"Irresponsible" firms should be punished, he said.