Durian exports reached nearly $1.1 billion in the first six months of 2026, up 32% year-on-year.
The peak season for the trade, however, is still ahead. The Central Highlands harvest, which accounts for a large share of annual production, begins in August and lasts through October. Monthly shipments reached nearly $1 billion during the same period last year.
Industry players believed annual revenue could exceed $4 billion and potentially reach $4.5 billion, bringing Vietnam closer to Thailand in supplying China’s lucrative durian market.
Recent policy developments have strengthened those prospects. The General Administration of Customs of China officially recognized 18 additional Vietnamese testing laboratories on July 31, bringing the total number to 50.
The move comes after exporters faced disruptions earlier this year when several laboratories temporarily suspended operations, slowing customs clearance for shipments.
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Durians at an orchard in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho. Photo by Manh Khuong |
At the same time, authorities have accelerated the issuance of planting area codes, with processing time reduced from ten days to three days through a fully digital system.
The government has also intensified efforts to clean up the industry. Authorities have prosecuted and detained several officials for allegedly receiving bribery and abuse of power in the management of planting area codes and export procedures, aiming to eliminate unnecessary administrative barriers and restore fair competition.
Industry experts said fraudulent trading of planting area codes had undermined the sector for years. The ongoing crackdown is expected to improve transparency and strengthen confidence among overseas buyers.
Vietnam is also expanding beyond its heavy reliance on China by opening new markets.
India has recently opened its market to Vietnamese durian, offering another promising destination as production continues to increase.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association, estimated that shipments to India could generate $50-100 million annually in the initial years as consumers gradually get acquainted with the fruit.
Vietnam’s durian exports officially began four years ago after Vietnam and China signed a protocol on fresh durian exports in July 2022. Export turnover reached $400 million in the final months of that year before surging to $2.2 billion in 2023.
The industry has since set a new export record almost every year and is now emerging as one of the fastest-growing agricultural sectors.
Last year, shipments climbed to $3.8 billion, placing durian alongside Vietnam’s traditional export staples such as rice, shrimp, rubber and cashew nuts.
Unlike several major agricultural exports that rely partly on imported raw materials, durian’s value is created almost entirely within Vietnam, generating higher returns for domestic growers.
Despite its rapid rise, the industry remains heavily dependent on China, which accounts for around 90% of exports. Experts therefore stressed the need to diversify markets while investing more in processed durian products, which are easier to transport, have a longer shelf life and appeal to a broader range of international consumers.