HCMC – Domestic durian prices rose by up to 30% from February 20 to 23 after exporters resumed operations following the Tet holiday, driven by increased purchases for export to China amid limited supply.
In the Mekong Delta, businesses and buying stations reopened immediately after the Lunar New Year holiday and raised prices. The current off-season output is low due to unfavorable weather, pushing prices up by VND20,000–30,000 per kilogram compared to pre-Tet levels and doubling year-on-year.
Market surveys show that on February 20 (the fourth day of Tet), Ri6 Grade A durian was priced at around VND80,000 per kilogram, rising to VND85,000–87,000 per kilogram by February 23. Thai Grade A durian increased from VND145,000 to VND150,000–160,000 per kilogram over the same period. Grade C products were traded at VND40,000–50,000 per kilogram.
Online marketplaces also recorded active buying. Competition among traders contributed to same-day price increases, with offers reaching VND150,000 per kilogram and higher.
Exporters attributed the price surge to stronger demand and smoother export procedures after businesses strengthened compliance with market regulations. Supply remains limited due to adverse weather in both Vietnam and Thailand. Demand in China, the main export market, typically increases during the first lunar month due to festival consumption.
According to Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary general of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT), durian prices usually rise during this period when Vietnam dominates off-season supply. Thailand has expanded off-season production but suffered output losses this year due to abnormal floods.
He added that market diversification has increased demand, with exports in 2025 rising 102% to Hong Kong and 358% to Malaysia. Other markets, including Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, the U.S., Canada, Japan and Australia, also recorded double-digit growth. Total durian export revenue in 2025 reached US$3.86 billion.
Customs data showed fruit and vegetable exports in January 2026 rose 60% year-on-year to US$598 million, with durian accounting for the majority.
VINAFRUIT said that although Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Indonesia are exporting durian to China, competition remains primarily between Thailand and Vietnam. In 2025, Thailand’s durian exports to China were estimated at over US$4 billion, compared to Vietnam’s US$3.6 billion.
The association noted Vietnam’s logistical advantage due to its shared border with China and improving transport infrastructure, while Thailand faces production challenges linked to weather and labor disruptions.
