Fruit and vegetable exports drop due to stricter inspections
VOV.VN - Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports in January reached US$416 million, down 11.3% compared to the previous month and down 5.2% on-year due to a sharp decline in durian exports, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association (Vinafruit).
This decline can be attributed to the fact that that many countries have tightened their inspection over the quality of fruits imported from the Vietnamese market.
Most notably, China, the largest importer of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables, has tightened its inspection over Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) residues in durian export batches from Vietnam, leading to stockpiles and congestion at border gates.
Many export enterprises have stated that they have temporarily stopped selling durian to the northern neighbor in the first month of the year, while Vietnamese authorities have also worked alongside Chinese officials to resume durian exports.
According to preliminary data released by the General Department of Vietnam Customs, Vietnamese durian exports last year grossed about US$3.3 billion, up over US$1 billion compared to 2023, and representing a 7.8-fold rise compared to 2022’s export turnover.
During the 11 month months of last year, the country’s durian exports to the Chinese market surged by 43% compared to the same period in 2023.
As part of efforts to pave the way for durian exports, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has unveiled a list of nine testing laboratories which have been qualified by both Vietnam and China to grant certifications.
Business representatives have outlined that durian prices have begun to bounce back, although they remain at between 60% and 70% lower than the same period from last year.
According to a representative of Vinafruit, durian batches exported to China are required to obtain a certificate of testing for the basic substances of yellow O and Cadmium.
However, there were not many testing laboratories at localities at that time, leading to hurdles when it comes to exporting durian to the Chinese market. Industry insiders predict that durian exports will rebound from February as export procedures are duly completed.
