According to data from China Customs, in the first 11 months of 2024, China imported over $22.1 billion worth of fruits and vegetables from 10 countries. Thailand remained the top supplier with $6.8 billion in exports, down 19.4% compared to the previous year. Vietnam followed in second place, recording a 26% increase to over $4 billion.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, noted that Thailand’s struggles due to unfavorable weather created opportunities for Vietnam, particularly in durian export. In addition to durians, Vietnamese bananas, dragon fruit, watermelon, mangoes and lychees have also overtaken Thailand’s dominance in China.
Vietnam is now seen as a serious competitor to both Thailand and Chile, the third largest fruit and vegetables exporter to China. The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association believes that if technical barriers are addressed and the quality of fresh and frozen products is improved, Vietnam has the potential to become China’s top fruit and vegetable supplier this year.
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Durians are harvested in Cai Lay District, Tien Giang Province, Vietnam in November 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam |
Chile, which has been a leading fruit and vegetable exporter to China for a decade, only reached $3.4 billion in 11 months of 2024. The U.S. came at fourth with $1.1 billion, marking an 18% increase from the previous year.
Despite its rapid growth, Vietnam’s fruit exports face challenges, particularly with durians, which account for nearly 50% of the country’s total fruit and vegetable exports. China has recently tightened inspections for cadmium and Auramine O, a compound with the potential to cause cancer, which could impact export volumes.
Vietnam’s overall fruit and vegetable exports reached a record-high $7.15 billion in 2024, up 27.6% from the previous year. The country has set an ambitious target of $8 billion in exports for 2025, with China remaining its largest buyer.
Nguyen warned that if the challenges are not resolved soon, achieving this goal will be difficult. To sustain growth, he emphasized the need for manufacturers and businesses to comply with new inspection regulations and strengthen supply chain partnerships to enhance product quality. He also highlighted the importance of investing in processed products to meet the standards of importing countries.
Currently, nine testing centers for Auramine O in Vietnamese durians are recognized by China, located in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and Ca Mau. Each facility can process an average of 100 samples per day, ensuring sufficient testing capacity for businesses. Vietnam and China have agreed to test Auramine O on both durian peel and flesh to ensure safety standards.
