Exports of fruits and vegetables to China increased by 19% last year to an all-time high of US$5.5 billion.
It also marked the highest annual growth ever, according to the latest customs data.
Vietnam exported $8.56 billion worth of fruits and vegetables in all. The second largest buyer was the U.S., which accounted for 6% of shipments, followed by South Korea and Japan at 4% and 3% respectively.
Vietnam shipped 22.5% of all of China’s fruit and vegetable purchases last year, up from 18.27% in 2024 and behind only Thailand. The increase was driven by some key items like durian and banana.
Demand for durian in China rose sharply last year while Vietnamese supply was abundant and available for most of the year.
Banana exports also surged thanks to competitive prices and shorter transportation times compared to rivals in South America.
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A durian at an orchard in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho. Photo by Manh Khuong |
Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary general of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said exports to China fell in the first half of 2025 due to new requirements and quality control measures, but Vietnamese businesses quickly adapted and exports bounced back in the last few months of the year.
But there is more room for growth despite possible headwinds this year, he said.
China is expected to tighten traceability requirements from June, which could hamper exports, especially of durian and banana, if businesses do not prepare in advance, he added.
