Some markets ramp up imports of Vietnamese durian

China remained the biggest buyer as exports rose by nearly 53% to US$1.47 billion, accounting for 92% of all shipments.

Thailand was second with $65 million, up 51%, followed by Hong Kong, $19 million, up 24%.

There were increases of at least 50% in exports to South Korea, Papua New Guinea, Japan, and Cambodia.

Total exports were also up 50% to $1.6 billion.

Ngo Tuong Vy, CEO of fruit exporter company Chanh Thu, said Vietnamese durian is more competitively priced than those from Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Her company saw exports rise by 30% this year because of a decline in Thai output due to unfavorable weather.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruits & Vegetables Association, said many countries are craving Vietnamese durian because of its high quality and availability all year round.

Vietnam and China’s recent protocol on frozen durian exports would also help boost exports, he added.

Vietnam exported $2.3 billion worth of durian last year, 90% of it to China.