Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) reports that durian exports continued their accelerated growth, setting a new record in the first ten months with an export value of US$3.33 billion, a year-on-year increase of 10.4%. This is the highest level to date, making durian the largest contributor to the overall agricultural export value.
The main driver was the Chinese market, which accounted for 94.35% of the total exports in the first ten months, approximately US$3.14 billion. Although October's export volume decreased by more than 41% compared to the previous month due to the end of the season and adjustments in import regulations, the cumulative export value to the Chinese market still increased by nearly 14% year-on-year.
Specifically, durian exports in October exceeded US$572 million, 2.7 times that of the same period last year.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, stated that despite facing several technical barriers from China, Vietnamese durians have maintained good growth momentum thanks to improved quality and price competitiveness. The average export price of Vietnamese durians was US$3,696 per ton, 15% lower than that of Thai durians. Thanks to its advantages in price and short transportation time, Vietnam has become China's second-largest export market for durians, second only to Thailand.
Experts warn that Vietnam should not over-rely on durian, a single product that accounts for more than half of its total fruit and vegetable exports. To maintain growth and consolidate its position in key markets, the agricultural sector needs to diversify its products, upgrade its cold chain system, and strengthen control over quarantine standards and preservation quality.
Based on current growth momentum and positive signals at the end of the year, Dang Phuc Nguyen predicts that durian exports could reach $4 billion by 2025. According to the association's preliminary estimates, durian exports in the first 11 months totaled approximately $3.7 billion. (End)
