Durian exports still have a lot of room
In 2024, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export turnover will reach a record 7.2 billion USD, marking a leap forward in the journey towards the goal of 10 billion USD in agricultural exports in the near future. Of this, durian will contribute 3.2 billion USD, accounting for nearly half of the total fruit and vegetable export turnover.
The remarkable growth of durian comes from China allowing official imports of this product from mid-2023. In particular, frozen durian was also opened to the Chinese market in August of the same year, helping to boost export turnover.
China is the main consumer market, accounting for more than 90% of Vietnam's total durian exports.
According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, durian exports are expected to continue to grow in 2025 thanks to an expected 15% increase in output and large market demand.
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable industry aims to set a record export value of $8 billion by 2025, with fresh and frozen durian being the main driver. Abundant supplies and year-round harvests offer plenty of opportunities for the sector.
Currently, Vietnam has about 155,000 hectares of durian with an average yield of 25 - 30 tons/ha. This is a great opportunity to continue exploiting the potential of the Chinese market, a country that imports durian worth 7 billion USD per year and is expected to increase to 10 billion USD in the next few years.
Facing challenges at the beginning of the year, adjustments are needed
Despite its great potential, Vietnam’s durian industry is facing many challenges. Competition from rivals such as Thailand and Indonesia is increasing, as China opens its doors to importing durian from these countries.
Internal issues such as quality assurance and compliance with technical standards of importing countries are also issues that need to be resolved. Violations of growing area codes and packaging facilities are causing impacts. For example, in Tien Giang, 55 growing area codes and 44 packaging facilities have had their exports suspended due to violations.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the situation of counterfeiting growing area codes, plant quarantine certificates and quality testing of exported durian is becoming a burning issue. This not only affects the reputation of the industry but also poses great risks to export activities.
Notably, in early 2025, China tightened inspections for yellow O (BY2) on imported fruits, causing a delay in Vietnam's durian exports. Many shipments were returned or waited for a long time for clearance at the border gate. BY2 may have been used to enhance the color of the fruit, leading to food safety concerns. This not only affected Thailand - the country found to be in violation - but also had a knock-on effect on Vietnamese durian.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen - General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit) said that it is necessary to quickly build many standard testing rooms to issue safety certificates, without BY2 residue, to help export activities not be interrupted.
Vinafruit leaders emphasized that if the situation is not resolved soon, durian prices could drop sharply after Tet, causing major impacts on farmers and businesses. Building a sustainable brand and strictly adhering to international standards is the only way for the Vietnamese durian industry to continue to dominate the global market.
With great potential and timely support from authorities, Vietnamese durian has every opportunity to make further strides in the international market.
