Vietnam’s Fruit and Vegetable Export Boom: A Closer Look
Vietnam’s agricultural sector is experiencing a remarkable surge, particularly in fruit and vegetable exports. According to Dang Phuc Nguyen, the general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the turnover for September 2025 could well reach an impressive US$1.3 billion. This figure represents a notable 36% increase from August’s total of US$951 million and a staggering 41% jump compared to the same period in 2024, when exports were valued at US$917 million. This anticipated figure would mark the highest monthly export value in the sector’s history.
Steady Growth: A Snapshot of the Year
For the first nine months of 2025, the estimated export figure stands at over US$6.11 billion, reflecting an 8.3% increase from the previous year. Should the current momentum continue, experts predict that the industry may close out 2025 with an astonishing turnover of around US$8 billion, easily exceeding initial forecasts. This economic trajectory is not just a statistical achievement but a testament to the expanding global demand for Vietnamese produce.
The Durian Surge
At the heart of this remarkable growth story is durian, a tropical fruit often debated for its distinctive taste and aroma. In early 2025, durian exports faced significant hurdles when several shipments were returned for not complying with China’s stringent import regulations. However, like any resilient industry, Vietnamese exporters quickly adapted, refining their processes to meet the new standards related to food safety, particularly concerning Auramine O and cadmium levels.
By June, shipments resumed, and the situation took a dramatic turn for the better. In the first three months of 2025, monthly durian exports struggled to break the US$100 million barrier. However, by May, figures rose to US$204 million. The most impressive growth occurred from June onward, culminating in a total of US$1.7 billion in durian exports by the end of August, with nearly 90% of these shipments destined for China.
Record-Breaking September
The month of September is particularly noteworthy. Export estimates for durian suggest that the sector may reach between US$800 million to US$900 million, marking it as a historic high. The timing is advantageous, coinciding with the peak harvest season in the Central Highlands, a region known for its high-quality durians. Last year, exports during this period reached US$650 million, signaling a similar or even greater achievement for the current year.
Quality and Pricing Trends
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has recognized the marked improvement in durian exports, particularly for frozen products. Prices for durian have also shown a positive trend; high-quality RI6 durians are currently priced between VND52,000-65,000 per kilogram (approximately US$2.10-2.60). In contrast, high-quality Thai durians command higher prices, ranging from VND72,000-90,000 per kilogram (around US$2.90-3.60).
New Regulations for Export Safety
On the regulatory front, the Ministry made significant strides in ensuring food safety for durian exports. In early August, it announced Decision 3015, initiating the “Food Safety Control Process for Fresh Durian Exports.” This regulatory framework is particularly notable as it establishes a dedicated control mechanism for durian, covering every stage from cultivation to export. Such measures are expected to bolster the credibility of Vietnamese durians on the international market.
As Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector rides this wave of success, the spotlight remains on the practices and innovations that drive this growth, alongside a commitment to quality and safety. With each milestone achieved, the narrative of Vietnamese agriculture continues to evolve, capturing the interest of international buyers and consumers alike.