China has suspended imports of Vietnamese durians from 33 sources, citing the presence of excessive "heavy metals" in the fruits. This decision affects 18 durian plantations and 15 packers, as communicated by the General Administration of Customs to Vietnamese officials. The suspension, based on domestic laws, a bilateral agreement, and the aim to minimize damage to the durian trade, underscores the challenges faced by Vietnam's rapidly growing durian export sector to China. Despite the burgeoning trade, concerns over quality control have been raised, potentially affecting the reputation of Vietnamese durians.
Vietnamese durians had gained access to the Chinese market in 2021, quickly becoming a significant source of the fruit. However, the rapid expansion has led to concerns over quality, with some areas producing low-quality fruits. This situation has prompted warnings from Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development about possible oversupply and quality issues. The suspension comes as Malaysia enters the Chinese market, potentially increasing competition and emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity for Vietnamese growers.
China remains open to dialogue and cooperation with Vietnam to resolve these issues and ensure the healthy development of agricultural trade between the two countries. This stance was echoed in a recent meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, where they pledged to pursue further cooperation.
Source: bangkokpost.com