Industry insiders say the move marks a new phase of expansion for one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing agricultural export items, driven by rising global demand and improved market access.

Strong market signals from premium pomelo exports

According to Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T Group, one of Vietnam’s leading exporters, Vietnamese pomelo has already demonstrated strong competitiveness in international markets, particularly the United States since 2022.

He notes that despite being priced nearly twice as high as similar products from other Asian countries, Vietnamese pomelo continues to record double-digit annual export growth, thanks to superior quality and strong consumer demand.

Following the official approval for exports to Australia in early April 2026, the company quickly secured multiple orders and began shipments within days, reflecting strong market responsiveness and readiness from both producers and exporters.

Tung expresses confidence that China, alongside Australia, will become a major growth driver for Vietnamese pomelo exports in the coming years.

China market opening expected to boost export momentum

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit) reports pomelo and lemon are among Vietnam’s top 10 fruit export products. In 2025, lemon exports reached US$83 million, up 32% year on year, while pomelo recorded US$72.5 million, up 26%.

Early 2026 figures continued to show strong momentum, with pomelo exports rising 30% year on year in the first two months.

Experts say China’s official market opening is anticipated to significantly boost export growth, as the country is one of the world’s largest consumers of citrus fruits.

The shift from informal to official export channels is also expected to reduce border congestion risks and expand access to major retail distribution systems across China’s domestic market.

Some industry forecasts suggest Vietnamese pomelo exports could bring back around US$300 million in 2026 if quality standards and market requirements are fully met.

Farmers benefit from expanding export opportunities

Vietnam currently has around 100,000 hectares of pomelo cultivation, with total output nearing 1 million tonnes. Vinh Long province alone accounts for over 12,000 hectares and plays a key role in organised production chains linked to enterprises and cooperatives.

Local farmers hold that expanding export markets will help stabilise prices and increase value, while also encouraging improved farming practices and quality standards.

With average yields of 12–15 tonnes per hectare, pomelo growers can earn between VND300–400 million annually, providing stable livelihoods for thousands of rural households.

Authorities in Vinh Long emphasise that expanding export markets, including Australia and China, will help strengthen value chains and encourage higher-quality production.

Record fruit export milestone expected

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports generated a record US$8.6 billion in 2025, up nearly 20% year on year. In the first quarter of 2026, the sector continued strong growth of more than 32%, earning over US$1.5 billion.

The sector is now targeting a historic milestone of US$10 billion in 2026, supported by both traditional exports such as durian, dragon fruit, and mango, and emerging products including pomelo and lemon.

Experts stress that to fully capitalise on opportunities in the 1.5-billion-people market, farmers and exporters must strictly comply with China’s phytosanitary and traceability requirements, including production registration, pest control, and pre-harvest treatment standards.

Vietnam signs protocol to export pomelo, lemon to China

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MoAE) and China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) have signed a protocol on phytosanitary requirements for the export of pomelo and lemon from Vietnam.