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| In the first 4 months of 2023, durian exports increased by 573.1% from the same period. (Photo: congthuong.vn) |
The Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade quoted data from the General Department of Customs saying it estimated that Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export value in May 2023 reached USD600 million, up 53.3% from last month and an increase of 137.7% compared to May 2022.
Generally, in the first 5 months of 2023, the export value of vegetables and fruits was estimated at USD1.97 billion, up 39% compared to the same period in 2022. While many agricultural products showed signs of export decline, vegetables and fruits continued to record positive export growth.
Most of the exported fruits and vegetables recorded good growth rates in the first 4 months of 2023. Leading in terms of export value was the fruit category with USD920.7 million, up 15.7% from the same period last year.
In which, the export value of durian fruit increased sharply, reaching USD190.5 million, an increase of 573.1% from the same period in 2022. Durian fruit was mainly exported to the Chinese market, with the value accounting for 84.3% of the total export value of durian fruit.
Notably, after Vietnam and China signed the Protocol to export durian officially, durian export has been promoted to the Chinese market.
Regarding durian products, according to statistics of Lang Son Customs Department, on May 30, the functional force at Huu Nghi International Border Gate completed customs clearance procedures for 1,601 export durian shipments to China, equivalent to nearly 60,000 tons.
Up to now, Vietnam has 293 durian growing areas and 115 packing facilities that have been granted official export codes by China to this market.
In 2022, China imported more than 820,000 tons of durian. It is forecasted that durian imports this year will easily reach or exceed 900,000 tons. "With increased demand from the Chinese market, Vietnam's durian exports may reach USD1 billion this year and enter the group of billion-dollar agricultural exports," said Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will further facilitate durian import and export activities in the future. With this Agreement, many countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam can become large durian suppliers to China./.