Vietnam goes past Chile to become second biggest fruit, vegetable exporter to China

China’s total imports of vegetables and fruits topped US$24.4 billion last year. Thailand maintained its lead with a turnover of $8.6 billion despite a 2% fall from 2022.

Vietnam, with $3.4 billion, saw its market share rise from 8% in 2022 to 14% in 2023 as it went past Chile, which had for long held second position.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said besides a significant increase in durian exports China's increased imports of processed fruits and vegetables from Vietnam was also a factor.

This year the official exports of frozen durian, avocado and coconut to China are expected to further boost numbers.

Besides plentiful supply, Vietnam also has a competitive edge over rivals like Thailand and Chile in terms of costs and shipping times.

During President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Vietnam, the Chinese side announced plans to open the market to more Vietnamese agricultural products, including fresh coconut, frozen fruit products, citrus fruits, avocado, custard apple, and water apple.

The visit also led to the signing of a protocol on watermelon exports between the two nations.

Vietnam’s total fruit and vegetable exports in 2023 were worth $5.6 billion, an 80% jump from the previous year.

China continued to be the largest market, accounting for 60% of that figure.