The amount of Vietnamese durian sold to the Chinese market has increased by half, by the end of November 2024.
According to data from China Customs, in the first 11 months of last year, the amount of durian imported from Vietnam reached nearly 721,000 tons, an increase of 50% over the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, Thai durian exports to China decreased by 13%. , remaining over 796,000 tons.
With this growth momentum, Vietnam gradually narrows the gap with Thailand and has the potential to take the lead in durian exports to the world’s second largest economy in 2025.
According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the geographical location near China helps Vietnam reduce costs and transportation time. The long harvest season and not overlapping with Thailand is an advantage, ensuring continuous supply. If not affected by climate change, according to him, Vietnam could even surpass Thailand in export output.
Output increased sharply, but the export price of Vietnamese durian only reached nearly 4,000 USD per ton, lower than 5,000 USD in Thailand. This causes Vietnam’s export turnover to reach nearly 2.9 billion USD, up 38% over the same period, but still lower than Thailand’s (3.9 billion USD, down 12.5%).
Despite receiving popularity from neighboring markets, Mr. Nguyen recommends that Vietnamese farmers and businesses need to seriously comply with the regulations in the Protocol with China. Stable quality and building a strong brand are the deciding factors in competing with Thai products and other countries.
In addition to Vietnam, China also increased purchases of this agricultural product from the Philippines. By the end of November 2024, import turnover from this country reached more than 13 million USD, an increase of 3.5 times compared to the previous year.
Last year, the total export turnover of Vietnamese durian to markets reached 3.3 billion USD, an increase of more than 1 billion USD compared to 2023. China is the market with up to 90% of the market share.
Durian fruit exports are forecast to continue to increase this year, to 3.5 billion USD, contributing to fruit and vegetable export turnover reaching the target of 8 billion USD.
