Durian exports surged in September, helping Vietnam earn nearly one billion US dollars from fruits and vegetables, an increase of 38% year-on-year and a record high.

According to Customs data, the export turnover of fruits and vegetables in the first 9 months of the year reached nearly USD 5.7 billion, an increase of 34% over the same period last year. In September alone, fruit and vegetable exports exceeded USD 917 million, an increase of 38% and setting a new record. Durian is the dominant product, contributing up to 65% of the export value, followed by bananas, dragon fruit, watermelon, etc.

China remains the largest market, accounting for 67% of turnover with USD 3.8 billion after 9 months, an increase of 38% compared to last year. In September alone, this country spent more than USD 700 million to import Vietnam’s fruits and vegetables.

In addition, Thailand surpassed the US to become the second largest market with a turnover of USD 202 million in the first 9 months of the year, an increase of 87%. Countries such as the US, Republic of Korea, and Japan also recorded strong growth with double-digit increases.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, commented that the position of Vietnam's agricultural products is increasingly strengthened in the international market. China has created many favorable conditions for the import of agricultural products, helping to forecast that the export turnover of fruits and vegetables this year could reach USD 7 billion.

According to Mr. Nguyen, October promises to be the peak season for durian when the main season ends while Vietnam continues to supply off-season durian in November and December, ensuring supply when other countries do not have any. This creates an advantage for Vietnam, helping to increase prices.

In addition to durian, other fruits also benefit from the winter season - a time when many countries face difficulties in harvesting, while Vietnam still maintains favorable conditions for growing fruits and vegetables. In particular, the advantage of road, sea and rail connections with China helps save costs and transportation time, creating great opportunities for Vietnamese businesses.

With the current growth momentum and increasing demand from China, the Vietnamese fruit and vegetable industry is expected to continue to set new records. It is expected that the export target of USD 10 billion by 2030 is completely feasible.

Previously, in August, Vietnam signed a protocol to export frozen durian and fresh coconut to China, opening up many opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products. At the fair in China in late September, Mr. Cao Ba Dang Khoa, General Secretary of the Vietnam Coconut Association, said that many businesses had signed export contracts of 30-50 containers, with some even reaching an agreement to supply 1,500 containers. This is a positive signal for the future of the Vietnam’s coconut industry in this billion-people market.

Kylie Nguyen