In the initial two months of 2025, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports decreased by 17% year-on-year, reaching US$677 million. This decline is attributed largely to a reduction in durian exports, which faced an 80% drop to 3,500 tons by mid-February, as reported by the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.
Durian, typically comprising nearly half of the fruit and vegetable export sector, faced new regulatory challenges. On January 10, China, the primary market, mandated certification for shipments to be free of auramine O, a chemical with potential carcinogenic properties. This led to comprehensive inspections of Vietnamese durian imports, delaying customs clearance and increasing spoilage risks. Consequently, businesses redirected shipments to the domestic market.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the association, noted that the new regulations prompted businesses to pause exports to comply with documentation requirements. Taiwan also initiated inspections of each Vietnamese durian batch following quality issues last August, while the EU increased its inspection rate to 20% due to pesticide residue concerns.
The extended Tet holidays, running from January 25 to February 2, further contributed to the slowdown in durian exports. Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T, stated that the company is completing procedures to resume exports to China by late February.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has implemented stricter quality controls for durian growers and is negotiating the removal of technical barriers. Efforts continue to explore new markets to bolster fruit and vegetable exports.
Source: VNExpress