Fresh Vietnamese Jackfruit Now Allowed into China: A New Chapter in Trade
On December 19, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) made a significant announcement, stating that fresh Vietnamese jackfruit meeting specific phytosanitary requirements would be permissible for import into China. This development opens a new chapter for the export of this tropical fruit, which has been a staple in Vietnam’s agricultural economy.
The Journey of Vietnamese Jackfruit
Vietnamese jackfruit has enjoyed a long history of export to China, primarily through informal cross-border trade channels. This method of trade has led to sharp price fluctuations, especially during peak harvest periods when supply surges. With approximately 84,000 hectares dedicated to jackfruit plantations, mostly concentrated in the Ben Tre and Tien Giang provinces of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam produces over 1 million metric tons annually. In 2024, the export value of jackfruit reached approximately $146 million, but as exports shift to formal trade channels, this figure is poised for a significant increase.
Identifying Pests: A Key to Successful Export
The GACC has identified nine quarantine pests of concern that could threaten agricultural balance and public health. Notable pests include the breadfruit fruit fly (Bactrocera umbrosa), various mealybugs such as Dysmicoccus lepelleyi and Planococcus lilacinus, and the jackfruit borer moth (Glyphodes caesalis). The focus on these pests underscores China’s commitment to maintaining stringent agricultural standards, ensuring that imported fruits are safe for consumers.
Stringent Quality Management Systems
For orchards aspiring to export fresh jackfruit to China, a robust quality management and traceability system is essential. Orchards must adhere to good agricultural practices and implement integrated pest management techniques. Maintaining orchard hygiene is crucial—this includes minimizing nearby contamination sources, swiftly disposing of rotten or fallen fruits, and discarding spoiled produce. These measures are vital for ensuring that jackfruit meets the necessary import standards.
Packing Process: A Critical Step
The packing process for jackfruit intended for export involves several meticulous steps. Fruits must undergo cleaning, sorting, grading, and removal of any damaged specimens. The objective is to ensure that shipments are completely free from pests, rotten fruits, and even foreign materials like branches, leaves, roots, and soil.
To achieve this, the fruit surface should be thoroughly cleaned using high-pressure air or water jets, supplemented by brushing techniques. In some cases, a soft, clean cotton cloth may be used to wipe the surface, effectively removing any residual insects, eggs, or pathogenic spores.
Monitoring and Compliance: A Year of Vigilance
In the first year of exports, the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is mandated to conduct random sampling of 2% of fresh jackfruit bound for China to check for the presence of the identified pests. If no quarantine issues arise within this initial timeframe, the sampling rate may be subsequently reduced to 1%. However, any instance of contaminated jackfruit could lead to the rejection of entire shipments or a suspension of exports from affected orchards and packing plants for the remainder of the season. This stringent monitoring ensures that only the highest quality fruit enters the market.
Bridging Borders Through Formal Trade
The recent addition of fresh Vietnamese jackfruit into China’s import regulations not only benefits Vietnamese farmers but also fosters a more formal trading relationship between the two countries. As this export process evolves, it promises more stability in pricing and market access, paving the way for enhanced economic collaboration.
Emerging Opportunities
The pathway for exporting fresh jackfruit from Vietnam to China reflects a broader trend in agricultural trade, where compliance with international standards can unlock new market potential. By emphasizing quality and adherence to regulations, Vietnamese producers can enhance their competitiveness in the global market.
In summary, the developments surrounding fresh Vietnamese jackfruit exports to China exemplify the intricate relationship between agricultural practices and international trade regulations. This shift represents an exciting opportunity for Vietnam, one that aligns with the country’s long-term agricultural goals and aspirations for economic growth.