Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – In early May, durian prices in Dong Thap province and many parts of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam experienced their worst drop in years, plunging fruit farmers into losses. Currently, the purchase price for Ri6 durians from orchards is only 20,000-25,000 VND/kg, while the production cost is 30,000-40,000 VND/kg, resulting in a loss of 10,000-15,000 VND/kg. The purchase price for Monthong durians exceeds 60,000 VND/kg, and while not yet at a loss, overall market demand remains sluggish.
The recent price plunge was caused by a combination of factors: First, Dong Thap province and its southeastern region entered the peak durian harvest season, with an estimated harvest of 111,200 tons in May and June, leading to a surge in market supply. Second, similar high-quality durians from Thailand entered the market simultaneously, competing directly with Chinese demand. Third, key export bottlenecks became apparent, with severe obstructions in cadmium and aflatoxin O testing, some testing laboratories limiting sample intake or operating beyond capacity, preventing companies from completing export compliance inspections in a timely manner. Fourth, China strengthened post-harvest supervision, resulting in warnings for some shipments, tightening purchasing standards for companies, and slowing market circulation.
According to data from the Dong Thap Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province has 32,100 hectares of durian plantations, with 22,171 hectares bearing fruit, and an annual output exceeding 511,000 tons. Currently, 355 planting area codes (covering 13,900 hectares) have been obtained, but export difficulties mean that most of the production relies on domestic consumption.
To overcome the current predicament, Dong Thap province has held a special working meeting to promote relief efforts. In the short term, efforts will focus on improving local capacity for independent testing of cadmium and aflatoxin O, strengthening the management of planting area codes and the construction of a traceability system, and guiding farmers to standardize production. Simultaneously, coordination with relevant Chinese authorities will explore joint testing and certification mechanisms for planting areas to facilitate export channels. In the long term, the local government will focus on improving product quality, controlling raw material planting, diversifying export markets, and building stable sales channels to ensure farmers' livelihoods. (End)
