The shipment, weighing 24 tonnes, was signed between Nam Do Agricultural Products JSC and its Chinese partner. On March 24, the batch departed from the company’s factory in Krong Pac district of Dak Lak province, on its way to China.

This is Vietnam’s first-ever frozen durian shipment exported to China, following the protocol signed between the former Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) on August 19, 2024.

After receiving the export code on February 28, the company has consulted the experiences of Thai and Malaysian customers and has subsequently sent their products for inspection at Chinese-recognized testing centers.

"Currently, there are some challenges in durian exports. We are fully aware of these issues, so our products undergo strict quality control to meet all the requirements of our Chinese partners," said Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, director of Nam Do Agricultural Products JSC.

Before the frozen durian was loaded onto containers for transportation to the border, the company also invited experts from certified inspection centers to take samples and conduct final checks before dispatch.

The company plans to expand production and increase exports to China, capitalizing on the current market opportunities, Lan revealed.

In 2024, durian exports generated US$3.4 billion for Vietnam, with China being the primary market. The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association expects that frozen durian exports could bring an additional US$400-500 million.

However, frozen durian exports are required to meet strict plant quarantine standards, including Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) residues in durian batches, as a means of making further inroads into the Chinese market.

Nguyen Thanh Binh, chairman of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, recommends that for successful frozen durian exports, businesses ensure proper packaging facilities, certified growing areas, freezing and cold storage capabilities, and compliance with China’s food safety and phytosanitary standards. In particular, frozen durian must come from registered and monitored durian-growing areas in Vietnam.

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