Vietnam is setting ambitious goals for its fruit and vegetable export sector, with a particular focus on durian. According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the nation aims to achieve $3.5 billion in export turnover from durian in 2024, marking a 55% increase from the previous year. In June 2024 alone, fruit and vegetable exports reached about $800 million, up 20.84% year-on-year, contributing to a total of $3.5 billion for the first half of the year, a 30.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Durian exports accounted for $1.5 billion of this figure.
China has emerged as the largest market for Vietnamese durian. In the first quarter of 2024, Vietnam surpassed other countries to become the leading durian exporter to China, with a volume of 32,750 tonnes valued at $161 million, a 2.4-fold increase in volume compared to the same period last year. Vietnam's durian market share in China by value increased from 32% in Q1 2023 to 57% in Q1 2024.
The Vietnamese and Chinese authorities have completed technical negotiations for exporting frozen durian to China. If approved, this could significantly boost the export value of durian.
Vietnamese durian enjoys several advantages, including abundant production, year-round harvesting, and minimal direct competition with durian from other countries. The transportation times are short, and prices are competitive, particularly for frozen durian. Currently, fresh durian from Vietnam is exported to 22 countries and territories, while frozen durian is exported to 23 countries and territories.
In addition to China, Vietnam is also negotiating to export fresh durian to India. This move is expected to reduce dependence on the Chinese market and open new opportunities for the agricultural sector. A representative from the Plant Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development expressed optimism about expanding durian consumption in India, a country with a population of over a billion people.
"Relying too much on a single market always poses risks. Therefore, opening the Indian market is good news for Vietnam's durian industry," the representative said. He added that Vietnam has submitted documents and is awaiting approval to begin exporting durian to India.
Despite these positive developments, there have been concerns about recent shipments flagged for banned substance contamination, affecting the reputation of Vietnamese goods. The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association emphasized the need for increased inspections at source and in packing facilities to prevent contaminated shipments. Local authorities and businesses are urged to closely monitor growing area codes and packing facilities to avoid purchasing goods from unauthorized sources, which could impact legitimate exports.
Maintaining the quality of Vietnamese durian is crucial for attracting potential markets. A key figure in the fruit import-export sector highlighted the importance of market expansion and proposed a mechanism to establish durian as an independent industry with its own management framework.
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