Vietnam’s agriculture exports to Japan jumped 18% last year to US$237.8 million, driven by chrysanthemum flowers, bananas and sweet potato.
The three accounted for $111.6 million, according to Vietnam Customs. Chrysanthemums led with $43.6 million, a 7.01% rise from 2024. Banana exports went up 33% to $42.6 million.
The growth was largely driven by steady supply and a strategy to develop cultivation areas that meet high standards.
Doan Nguyen Duc, chairman of agriculture Hoang Anh Gia Lai, said his company has kept the prices of bananas it exports to Japan steady for many years.
In addition to plantations in central Vietnam, the company has developed farms in Laos to ensure year-round supply.
Produce grown in highland areas benefits from significant temperature differences between day and night, enabling fruit to develop more slowly, accumulate starch, and achieve moderate sweetness and aroma.
Suitable soil conditions help produce bright yellow skins with minimal bruising, meeting Japan’s stringent standards.
Several other items posted strong growth. Eggplant exports topped $19.9 million, a 17.7% increase, while mango exports rose by 13.6%. to $16.8 million.
Japan is known as a market with high standards for food safety, traceability and packaging, but maintains consistent demand and is willing to pay premium prices for products that meet requirements, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.
Consumers there demand consistent quality, attractive appearance and year-round supply.
Data indicates that Japan not only consumes tropical fruits but also has strong demand for vegetables and fresh flowers, which offers Vietnamese enterprises the incentive to continue investing in high-quality production, enhance value and diversify products to maintain market share in that country.
