HCMC – Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports are projected to reach US$7 billion this year, largely driven by a surge in durian shipments, local media reported.
In the first seven months of 2024, fruit and vegetable exports picked up by 24.3% against the same period last year to over US$3.8 billion. With the durian harvest in the Central Highlands at its peak, the fruit and vegetable sector is well-positioned to achieve the US$7 billion target.
South Korea and Japan have emerged as key markets for Vietnam’s durian, said Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary general of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association. He attributed the rising demand to successful branding and market expansion efforts.
Nguyen said that these countries will continue to be critical markets due to their proximity, which reduces shipping costs, and their favorable tax policies compared to those of the European Union and the U.S. However, exporters must consistently meet strict technical requirements to maintain access to these markets, he added.
Durian has become Vietnam’s leading export earner, generating US$1.3 billion in revenue. To stay competitive, officials have underscored the need for establishing post-harvest processing and preservation standards.
Currently, only 25,000 hectares under durian cultivation nationwide has been certified with export codes, according to Nguyen Quang Hieu, deputy director of the Plant Protection Department. Vietnam is actively seeking to expand these certifications, particularly with China, a key export market.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Phung Duc Tien stressed the importance of developing a closed supply chain that ensures quality from production to consumption. He also underlined the need for strict adherence to international regulations, which is crucial for the sector’s ongoing success.
