Vegetable, fruit exports hit new high

Increase in Chinese demand from was a major reason for the jump.

Several other countries in the region, hit by droughts and floods, also increased their imports, Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruits and Vegetable Association, said.

Durian accounted for 30% of the export value.

Durian prices are expected to rise in September as supply has declined in other Southeast Asian countries. Vinafruit expects exports of the fruit to be worth $1.5 billion this year.

Coconut also has potential for higher exports to China and the U.S., with the latter recently allowing imports of husked nuts from Vietnam.