Vietnam durian exports surge to new high

They were up 10.4% year-on-year, continued to be the largest contributor to agriculture exports turnover, according to Vietnam Customs.

China accounted for $3.14 billion, or 94% of all exports and 14% higher year-on-year.

Durians seen in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Manh Khuong

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said Vietnamese durian exports saw strong growth despite facing intensified inspections for banned substances by China, driven by improving quality and competitive pricing.

On average, a ton of durian was exported at $3,696, some 15% lower than Thailand’s. Vietnam is the second biggest durian exporter to China after Thailand.

After China tightened quality standards, many Vietnamese exporters invested in cold storage and packaging facilities, and developed their own brands.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has also established a quality control process for durian.

Exports to some other markets also saw strong growth. Hong Kong’s imports rose by nearly 89% to more than $45 million. Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Japan, and Canada also notably stepped up purchases.

But analysts warn that Vietnam should not rely too heavily on a single produce like durian, which now accounts for more than half of its fruit and vegetable exports.

To sustain growth and strengthen its position in major markets, the agricultural sector needs to diversify products, upgrade cold-chain systems and reinforce quarantine and storage quality standards, they said.

At the current pace of growth and positive signals, Nguyen expected durian exports to top $4 billion this year, an unprecedented number.