According to the report of the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export turnover in August reached USD 464.5 million, an increase of 15% compared to July and an increase of 71.5% compared to August 2022. In the first eight months of the year, fruit and vegetable exports reached USD 3.5 billion, an increase of 62% over the same period in 2022.

Fruit and vegetable exports continue to record high growth rates thanks to a sharp increase in export value to the Chinese market.

In August, the export value of fruits and vegetables to the Chinese market reached USD 266 million, an increase of 186% compared to August 2022. In the first eight months of 2023, fruit and vegetable exports to the Chinese market reached USD 2.3 billion, an increase of 134% over the same period in 2022.

After China, other markets such as Korea Republic, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates also recorded positive growth rates.

According to the Import-Export Department, in the third and fourth quarters, the whole country had nearly 7.6 million tons of key fruits of all kinds for consumption.

Meanwhile, according to annual practice, fruit and vegetable exports often reach high levels in the last months of the year thanks to increased market demand. Therefore, the abundant supply of fruit will satisfy export orders in the near future.

According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), if the current growth rate is maintained, with an average export turnover of about USD 400 million/month, the fruit and vegetable industry will not only complete target of USD 4 billion, but can also set a record of USD 5 billion.

In the bright picture of the fruit and vegetable industry, durian plays an important role and is expected to contribute about 30-35% of total export turnover, equivalent to USD 1.7-1.8 billion.

The achievements of the fruit and vegetable industry are undeniable, however some problems still exist in the Chinese market.

According to the Import and Export Department, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has received a number of notices from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) related to violations of plant quarantine requirements for shipments of bananas, jackfruit, mango, longan, dragon fruit and durian exported from Vietnam to the Chinese market.

In mid-August, China conducted an inspection of the growing area and packaging facility of Vietnamese fresh coconuts. In cases of violation of plant quarantine regulations as notified by China, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will temporarily suspend the relevant codes to investigate the cause and apply appropriate remeasures.

Kylie Nguyen