Vietnam's durian exports to reach $3 bln in 2024 after China boost: association

Vietnam's durian exports are projected to hit $3 billion this year, thanks to the recent approval of frozen durian exports to China.

This could rise further to between $3.5 billion and $4 billion next year, said Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VinaFruit).

He told The Investor that revenue from frozen durian alone was expected to reach $300 million by 2025, with fresh durian pushing the total to $4 billion.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) on Monday signed a protocol for the export of frozen durian.

The signing ceremony was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with the presence of Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and President To Lam and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Nguyen Thanh Binh, chairman of the VinaFruit, explained that frozen durian has so far been exported mainly to Thailand and distant markets like the U.S. and Europe, generating several hundred million dollars annually. With the opening of the Chinese market, demand is expected to increase significantly, potentially boosting exports even further in 2025.

The agriculture ministry's Plant Protection Department, which provided technical guidance for the protocol, views frozen durian exports as a major advancement in agricultural trade with China. This development is expected to ease pressure during harvest seasons and add greater value to the durian industry.

Earlier, in March 2024, the department issued a directive asking localities to review and compile information on growing areas and facilities for packaging frozen durian meant for China.

Packaging facilities must adhere to food hygiene and safety standards, including packaging processes, traceability, and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) requirements. There are also specific standards for freezing and cold storage facilities.

In 2023, Vietnam exported approximately 500,000 tons of durian, generating revenues of $2.3 billion; 90% of this came for China.

Besides durian, Vietnam also exports over 10 other fruit and vegetables to China: dragon fruit, longan, lychee, rambutan, mango, watermelon, jackfruit, banana, mangosteen and sweet potato.

In the first half of 2024, durian exports reached $1.32 billion.

The agriculture ministry has said it will continue to collaborate with Chinese authorities to ensure smooth implementation of the protocol and support Vietnamese businesses and farmers in capitalizing on these new opportunities.

In addition to frozen durian, the ministry and the General Department of Customs of China have also signed a protocol for the export of fresh coconuts and farmed crocodiles to China. This protocol marks a significant milestone in agricultural trade relations between the two countries.