Vietnam's vegetable and fruit exports to China experienced a 43% decline in the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This downturn is attributed to China's enhanced scrutiny of chemical residues in imports such as durians, jackfruits, and dragon fruits. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported that Vietnam's exports totaled $724 million in the initial two months, down from $970 million the previous year.
China accounted for 46.5% of Vietnam's total fruit and vegetable exports, followed by the U.S. at 8% and Thailand at 5%. While exports to China decreased, shipments to the U.S. and Thailand rose by 38% and 5%, respectively. Among the 15 largest markets, China showed the steepest decline, whereas the UK saw a 57% increase.
The decline in exports to China is largely due to stringent inspections on chemical residues, particularly affecting durian shipments. As per new regulations, durian exports require cadmium and Auramine O analysis from China-accredited labs. This led to occasional suspensions of durian exports. In the first 40 days of 2025, about 3,500 metric tons of durians were exported to China, an 80% year-on-year drop.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has advised adherence to safety standards and residue limits to improve future exports. In 2024, Vietnam's fruit export turnover was $7.12 billion, with durians contributing nearly half, primarily exported to China. For 2025, Vietnam anticipates a durian harvest of 1.5 million metric tons.
Source: Tuoi Tre News
