Grade A Monthong durian prices have decreased by 28% to approximately US$5.67 per kilogram at traders in Vietnam despite a supply decrease. A farmer from Tien Giang, Thien, highlighted that traders are purchasing durians at approximately US$3.94 at the farm gate, marking a 33% reduction from the previous month. Thien mentioned, "This price only yields minimal profits, and so I decided to hold on to my harvest and wait for better prices." Hoang, another local farmer, observed a similar price drop for the Ri 6 variety to approximately US$5.20 per kilogram.
The province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reported 6,000 hectares of durian cultivation, with only 40% of orchards flowering off-season due to adverse weather, leading to a 30% supply reduction from last year. Experts attribute the price fall to the market influence of Thailand and China. Thanh, a Tien Giang trader, noted competition from Thai durian and the impact of returned shipments to China on Vietnamese durian's reputation. Manh Khuong, a Can Tho City merchant, mentioned that major Chinese importers have lowered their purchase prices, affecting the domestic market. Many farmers are retaining their stocks in anticipation of price increases, contributing to the supply shortage. Dang Phuc Nguyen, the general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, stated that durian exports might only reach approximately US$3.2 billion this year, missing the US$3.5 billion goal.
Source: VNExpress