It was followed by banana that brought in US$71.5 million in export turnover. Durian, known as the billion-dollar fruit, fell to third place, fetching only US$21.4 million, down 69% compared to the same period last year.

Insiders point out that the decline in durian exports can be attributed to the fact that China has recently required all imported durian shipment to provide certification for Auramine O and cadmium residue tests.

In addition, Vietnamese durian exports to the EU are also subject to increased border inspection frequency from 10% to 20%, as the fruit has failed to comply with regulations on pesticide residues.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of Vinafruit, revealed that dragon fruit exports have been recovering strongly, helping this fruit regain its position in the market.

At present, each kilo of white-fleshed dragon fruit is traded at between VND30,000 and VND35,000.

In 2018, Vietnam earned the highest turnover from dragon fruit exports with nearly US$1.3 billion. Vietnamese dragon fruit has become popular in the Chinese market, that consumed up to 90% of the Vietnamese fruit.

In another development, a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment led by Deputy Minister Hoang Trung on April 11 worked alongside the US Department of Agriculture to facilitate the opening of the fresh fruit market between the two countries.

The Vietnamese representative requested the US authorities accept the hot steam treatment method for dragon fruit in order to reduce costs for Vietnamese export enterprises.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the US market consumes nearly 10% of Vietnamese dragon fruit exports. If the new treatment method is approved, then the export volume of dragon fruit exported to the US could increase moving forward.

Son La red-fleshed dragon fruit shipped to Italy

VOV.VN - The northern mountainous province of Son La recently held a departure ceremony in order to mark the shipment of red-fleshed dragon fruit products to the Italian market.