According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association (Vinafruit), export turnover in August reached an estimated US$759 million, representing a slight dip of 0.8% from the previous month. Eight-month exports totaled nearly US$4.63 billion, down just 2.1% year on year. This modest decline is a significant improvement from previous months, when export drops often reached double digits.

Vinafruit General Secretary Dang Phuc Nguyen attributed the rebound primarily to increased durian shipments, both fresh and frozen. Other key contributors included fresh coconut, mango, banana, and passion fruit, all posting steady growth.

Durian remains the top export earner, accounting for about 40% of total fruit and vegetable export value, buoyed by surging demand from China.

However, Nguyen reminded, stricter Chinese import standards are reducing the volume of grade A and B durians eligible for export. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall has impacted both yield and fruit quality.

Despite these challenges, durian trading activity remained vibrant during the National Day holiday. On September 2 alone, Dona durian Grade A was selling for VND78,000–82,000 per kg, while Grade B fetched VND58,000–64,000 per kg, both up by around VND2,000 compared to the previous week.

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports are forecast to bring back US$7.1 billion this year, equivalent to last year’s figure. If the positive trend holds, the sector could hit the US$8 billion mark in 2026.

New export standards set to elevate Vietnam’s durian sector

VOV.VN - Durian exports are making a strong recovery, with total revenue projected to reach US$2.4 billion in 2025. For the first time in a decade, Vietnam is updating its national durian standards to improve product transparency and safeguard the reputation of its agricultural exports globally.