In the first ten months of 2024, Vietnam's imports of fruits and vegetables from China neared $32.7 million, marking a 25% increase from the previous year's $26.1 million. This data, provided by the General Department of Customs, underscores the growing presence of Chinese produce in the Vietnamese market.
Chinese fruits, known for their affordability, are prevalent in Vietnamese markets, often labeled as "Grade A" or "domestic goods" despite their international origin. Recently, the market has seen an influx of persimmons from China, with retail prices ranging from approximately $2.00 to $3.60 per kilogram and wholesale prices as low as $0.80 per kilogram. Other fruits, including honey and black persimmons, ruby grapes, Fuji honey apples, grapes, pomegranates, apples, and red dates, are also available at competitive prices, raising food safety concerns among consumers.
The Department of Plant Protection ensures the safety of these imports through inspections based on Decree 15 (2018), which includes reduced, normal, and strict inspection methods depending on risk assessments and prior violations. Chinese fruits currently undergo normal inspections, with stricter measures applied as necessary. The department reaffirms its commitment to food safety, with the possibility of additional precautions if warranted.
Source: VietnamNet