Dragon fruit exports to Thailand jump 184% in first half
VOV.VN - Vietnam's dragon fruit exports are becoming more diversified, with shipments to Thailand surging nearly 184% in the first half of 2026 as exporters expand beyond their traditional reliance on the Chinese market.
According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), dragon fruit exports totalled US$288.7 million in the first six months of 2026, down 1.8% from a year earlier. Exports in June alone reached US$24.8 million, falling 43.4% from the previous month and 3.6% year on year.
China was Vietnam's biggest export market for dragon fruit, accounting for around 58% of total export value. However, shipments to China fell 14.9% year on year to US$168.6 million in the first half.
In contrast, several other markets posted strong growth. Thailand recorded the sharpest increase, importing US$17.7 million worth of Vietnamese dragon fruit, up 183.9% from the same period last year. It became Vietnam's fourth-largest export market for the fruit, accounting for about 6.1% of total exports.
Exports also increased to the United States, rising 28.1% to US$21.6 million, while shipments to India climbed 4.1% to US$24.6 million. Exports to the Republic of Korea grew 20.2% to US$8.6 million.
Other markets also posted robust growth, including Canada (up 27.1%), Germany (up 61.9%) and Australia (up 16.7%).
Meanwhile, exports to the United Arab Emirates declined 27.4% to around US$6 million.
According to Nguyen Van Muoi, deputy secretary-general of Vinafruit, Vietnamese dragon fruit exporters continue to face challenges as China's domestic production increases and the European Union maintains enhanced inspections on Vietnamese dragon fruit, with pesticide residue checks applied to 30% of shipments.
Importing markets are also imposing stricter requirements on growing area codes, packing facilities and food safety standards.
In response, many producers and exporters are adopting VietGAP and GlobalGAP production standards, investing in energy-efficient lighting systems and expanding processed products such as juices, dried dragon fruit and confectionery to reduce dependence on fresh fruit exports.
Vinafruit said the industry is also gradually shifting from border trade to official export channels while expanding its presence in ASEAN and the Middle East and improving product quality to meet increasingly stringent international standards.
Dragon fruit exports fall to 11-year record low
VOV.VN - Vietnam’s dragon fruit exports have dropped to their lowest level in more than a decade, reflecting weakening demand and intensifying competition in global markets.
