Durian prepared to be exported to China in Tien Giang Province. Photo by VnExpress/Linh Dan
Eight markets have ramped up imports of Vietnamese durian in 2024, with China and Thailand being the top two buyers.
Vietnam’s exports of the fruit fetched over US$2.8 billion in the first nine months, up 63% from a year earlier and the highest ever for the period.
Eight of the top 10 markets increased their imports, with China accounting for $2.6 billion worth of durian, a 65% year-on-year increase. Thailand followed with $133 million, up 85%.
Shipments to Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Cambodia, increased by 17% to 16 times, with Cambodia’s imports seeing the biggest rise.
Businesses said exports soared thanks to improved product quality, competitive pricing and short shipping times to China.
Durian production in Thailand, the top exporter of the fruit, decreased by 18% due to the impacts of the El Niño weather phenomenon and prolonged heat waves, prompting China and other markets to turn to Vietnamese supply.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said Thailand is also grappling with water shortages, resulting in low durian output and a 22% increase in prices.
Vietnam and China signed a protocol in August for the export of frozen durian to the latter. This could help Vietnam’s durian exports top $3.7 billion this year.
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