Acceleration during peak season
Export turnover of agricultural, forestry and fishery products in the first 8 months of 2026 reached nearly 49.31 billion USD, an increase of 7% compared to the same period in 2025. Among them, vegetables and fruits are a bright spot with 6.02 billion USD, an increase of 24.9%; August alone reached about 1.24 billion USD.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen - Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association - forecasts that fruit and vegetable exports in 2026 may reach 9.5-10 billion USD.
September and October are expected to be two booming months for vegetable and fruit exports, with monthly turnover potentially exceeding 1 billion USD" - Mr. Nguyen added. According to Mr. Nguyen, the largest growth potential still lies in durian. The turnover of this item this year may reach about 4-4.5 billion USD, contributing about 40-45% of the total vegetable and fruit industry turnover.
Looking at it from a market perspective, China continues to be the largest market, accounting for 58.9% of Vietnam's total vegetable and fruit export value. The US market ranks second with 7.6%, South Korea accounts for 4.2%. In the first 7 months of the year, the value of vegetable and fruit exports to China increased by 33.1%, the US increased by 14.4% and South Korea increased by 9.6%.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Muoi - Chairman of the Tropical Agriculture Business Club, China is still a large market thanks to high demand and favorable geographical location. Market expansion is necessary, but it is difficult to replace China in the short term. India is a potential opportunity, but more time is needed due to differences in consumer tastes.
Maintain quality to realize expectations
If durian is a driving force for vegetable and fruit exports, quality is becoming the key to achieving the expected growth rate.
To achieve the figure of 9.5-10 billion USD, the most important thing is to comply with market regulations. That is, we must strictly implement traceability, transparent and clear codes, packaging facilities as well as growing areas. Doing these things, we will definitely achieve a new record in vegetable and fruit exports" - Mr. Nguyen shared.
For durian, after the period of expanding area and rapid output, the industry needs to shift from expanding in breadth to improving quality. According to Mr. Nguyen Van Muoi, the decisive factor is that products meet standards, trace the origin and control quality right from the growing area. VietGAP needs to be seen as a foundation before moving towards higher international standards.
At the Government press conference in August 2026, Deputy Minister Dang Ngoc Diep said that in the coming time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will promote trade promotion and export market diversification. In which, continue to negotiate market expansion, increase market share in potential markets such as India, Australia, New Zealand. Increase exports of frozen durian, processed products, and suitable products.
Looking at the results of 8 months, the target of 9.5-10 billion USD for vegetable and fruit exports in 2026, there is a basis for expectation. If the crop season is well utilized, processing is promoted and quality discipline is maintained from the growing area to the border gate, Vietnamese vegetables and fruits will not only have the opportunity to set a new record in 2026 but also create a stronger foundation for the following years.
