HCMC – Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports continued to decline on a year-on-year basis for the third consecutive month in March, despite a monthly rebound, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit).
Preliminary data shows that fruit and vegetable exports have reached nearly US$421 million in March, up 34% month-on-month but down 10.5% compared to the same period last year.
In the first quarter of 2025, total export revenue from fruits and vegetables has amounted to an estimated US$1.1 billion, representing a year-on-year drop of more than 13%.
The decline has been largely attributed to weaker demand for durian, one of Vietnam’s key export items, both in fresh and frozen form.
On the import side, Vietnam has spent over US$172 million importing fruits and vegetables in March, up 4.2% from February and 6.5% higher than in March 2024. Cumulative imports in the first quarter have reached nearly US$578 million, an increase of more than 17% year-on-year.
China has remained Vietnam’s largest export market for fruit and vegetables, followed by the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Netherlands.
Despite the export downturn, the sector has maintained a trade surplus. In March alone, the trade surplus has reached nearly US$249 million, bringing the first-quarter total to around US$522 million.
The positive trade balance indicates that Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector continues to hold a competitive edge in international markets, even amid growing market challenges.
