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| Durian is expected to achieve a record export value of USD3.5 billion in 2024. (Photo: VnEconomy) |
This is supported by the fact that in the first eight months of the year, fruit and vegetable exports reached USD4.63 billion, an increase of more than 30% compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Notably, among the top 10 export markets for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, all except the Netherlands experienced double-digit growth. Recently, the Republic of Korea agreed to import fresh Vietnamese pomelo, and durian from the Central Highlands is entering the market as Thailand's season has ended.
Durian is a significant contributor to the fruit and vegetable export value. In the first eight months, durian exports were estimated at USD1.82 billion, up 45% year-on-year, contributing 40% to the total fruit and vegetable export turnover. The durian harvest in the Central Highlands is now in full swing, presenting an opportunity for durian to further strengthen its position, particularly in the Chinese market.
According to the Plant Protection Department, within the RCEP agreement, Vietnam is allowed to export the largest quantity of fruit products to China, with 12 types of fruit, including temporarily exported passion fruit and chili peppers, and trial exports of coconuts. Following China, New Zealand has approved the export of five Vietnamese fruits: mangos, dragon fruit, rambutans, lemons and pomelos. In Japan, Vietnam has exported dragon fruit, mangos, lychees and longans, and is negotiating to export pomelos.
The Plant Protection Department is working to open the market for citrus fruits, medicinal plants, and frozen durian to China. Additionally, passion fruit, longans, and lychees are being negotiated for export to Australia, while passion fruit and pomelos are being discussed for export to New Zealand.
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| Passion fruit processing line at Dong Giao Food Export Joint Stock Company. (Photo: VNA) |
During a recent visit to the United States on August 27, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam and the U.S. Department of Agriculture completed technical negotiations and began legal procedures to allow the import of Vietnamese passion fruit. This will make passion fruit the ninth fresh fruit to be exported to the U.S., along with dragon fruit, mangos, longans, lychees, rambutans, milk apples, pomelos and coconuts. The two ministries have also initiated procedures to consider new Vietnamese fruits such as seedless lemons, guavas and jackfruit for U.S. export.
In the Chinese market, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is promoting the expansion of products for export. The Vietnam Fruit Festival is expected to take place in China during the Vietnam-China Intergovernmental Committee meeting in Beijing on September 29-30.
Hoang Trung, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that as of July 30, Vietnam’s total fruit-growing area reached about 1.29 million hectares, an increase of approximately 20,000 hectares compared to 2023. Currently, many fruits from the Mekong Delta region, such as durian, dragon fruit, pineapples, watermelons, mangos, longans and lychees, are entering their peak harvest seasons, creating a significant supply for both fresh export and deep processing.
Vietnam’s annual fruit production is estimated at 12-14 million tons. The quality and characteristics of Vietnam’s tropical fruits are highly favored and well-regarded in many markets.
"So far, major markets such as China, the U.S., Japan, Taiwan, the Republic of Korea and Europe have all seen the presence of Vietnamese fruits, especially those with large production areas and yields. A testament to the success of fruit exports is that their value has increased each year, with larger volumes being exported. This shows that the quality of Vietnamese fruits has met the tastes of major markets," said Mr. Trung./.