Off-season durians being harvested in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam
Vietnam’s durian exports to China, the world’s largest market for the fruit, rose by 50% year-on-year to 721,000 tons in the first 11 months of 2024.
Earnings from their exports increased by 38% to US$2.9 billion, according to data from Chinese customs.
Shipments from Thailand to China amounted to over 796,000 tons worth $3.9 billion, declines of 13% in volume and 12.5% in value from a year earlier.
China also imported $13 million worth of the fruit from the Philippines.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, pointed out that Vietnam’s proximity to China reduces shipping time and costs while its year-round durian harvest ensures steady supply, particularly important after Thailand’s main harvest season ends around July and August.
Vietnamese durian costs around $4,000 per ton as against Thailand’s $5,000.
Vietnam could surpass Thailand, its main rival, in volume if not affected by climate change, Nguyen said.
Farmers and businesses in Vietnam should strictly comply with China’s import regulations to maintain consistent quality and strong branding, which are crucial to compete with products from other suppliers, he warned.
In all, Vietnam’s durian exports last year were worth an estimated $3.3 billion, up nearly 50% from 2023. The value is expected to rise to $3.5 billion this year.
