HCMC – Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports have surpassed US$3.8 billion in the year to date, up 23.4% over the same period last year, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT).
The growth was fueled by strong demand in major markets such as China, South Korea, the U.S., Japan, and Thailand.
China remained the largest market, importing US$2.1 billion worth of produce, accounting for 64% of the total. South Korea and the U.S. followed with respective imports of US$164 million and US$157 million. Thailand imported US$97 million worth of Vietnamese produce.
Shipments to non-Asian markets, including the UK and the EU, also contributed to the growth. The Vietnam Vegetable and Fruit Association (Vinafruit) forecasts that exports could reach between US$7 billion and US$7.5 billion by year-end, citing an abundant supply and free trade agreements.
The Agency of Foreign Trade at the MOIT highlighted the importance of thorough technical and legal preparations, as well as the negotiation and signing of export protocols, to ensure sustainable market expansion. It urged Vietnamese exporters to understand consumer preferences in major markets and adapt quickly to changes to maintain competitiveness and expand market share.