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| Vietnamese durian exports are growing strongly to both the Chinese and Thai markets. (Photo: TNO) |
The Vietnam Customs reported that in April, Vietnam's durian exports reached a value of up to USD217 million, an increase of 487% over the same period in 2023, bringing the total turnover in the first four months of this year to USD470 million, a year-on-year increase of 146%.
The Chinese market was still an important destination, with 92% market share. Specifically, the export value in April was USD204 million, an increase of 655% over the same period in 2023. The figure in the first four months of this year was reported at USD432 million, an increase of 169% compared to the same period last year.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), explained that in recent times, Thailand increased imports of Vietnamese durian because at that time, Vietnam was the only country supplying this kind of fruit in the world.
Although Thailand is the largest exporter of the fruit, its durian has decreased significantly in quantity and quality due to severe drought, so it has to buy this fruit from other countries to serve domestic and tourist needs, according to Mr. Nguyen.
The Chinese market is increasingly appealing to Vietnamese durian thanks to its high quality and competitive prices. Recently, the Vietnamese durian distribution network has spread everywhere, helping many people access this unique product.
In the first four months of 2024, Thailand spent up to 22.5 million USD importing Vietnamese durian, a year-on-year surge of 82%. This figure is much higher than that of the third ranked market, China’s Hong Kong, with only 3.6 million USD.
As a result, Thailand, the world’s biggest durian exporter with a total export turnover of USD7 billion, became Vietnam's second largest importer of this fruit in the first four months of 2024./.