Fruit, vegetable exports surge to record high

Exports to China fetched $700 million, according to customs data. Other major items shipped were bananas, dragon fruits and watermelons.

In the year to date fruit and vegetable exports totaled nearly $5.7 billion, a 34% increase from the same period last year.

China remained the top market, with its imports rising by 38% to $3.8 billion. Thailand followed with $202 million, an 87% jump from a year ago.

Exports to other major markets like the U.S., South Korea and Japan also saw double-digit growth.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said durian exports are expected to increase further in October, the last month of its main season.

Vietnam would also have off-season durian to ship out in November and December when other countries lack supply, giving it a competitive edge and helping it secure high prices, he noted.

Other fruit exports will also benefit when winter approaches because many countries will be facing difficulties in harvesting whereas Vietnam’s harvest is mostly unaffected.

Road, sea and rail connections with China help reduce costs and shipping times.

Durians on display at a trade fair in China in late September 2024. Photo by Dang Khoa

Given the current growth rate and increasing demand from China, fruit and vegetable exports are projected to remain robust, topping $7 billion this year and $10 billion by 2030.

Vietnam signed a protocol in August that grants permission to ship frozen durian and fresh coconuts to China, which is expected to boost its agricultural exports.

At a trade fair in China late last month Cao Ba Dang Khoa, general secretary of the Vietnam Coconut Association, said many companies had signed contracts to export fresh coconuts to China, with one securing an order for 1,500 containers.