Thailand has witnessed a notable increase in fruit and vegetable imports from Vietnam, with the value reaching US$123 million in the initial seven months of 2024, marking a 70% increase from the previous year. This growth has positioned Thailand as the fourth largest market for Vietnamese produce, a climb from the sixth position as reported by the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, based on customs data.
China continues to be the leading importer of fruits and vegetables from Vietnam, with purchases nearing $2.5 billion, reflecting a 25% increase. The United States and South Korea follow, with their import values escalating to $189 million and $188 million, respectively, showcasing growths of 31% and 51%.
The overall export value of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables has reached an estimated $4.6 billion, up by 29%, according to the association. Ngo Tuong Vy, CEO of Chanh Thu, highlighted that the surge in Thailand's imports is primarily due to increased purchases of frozen durian, attributing to the overall export growth. Dang Phuc Nguyen, the association's general secretary, explained Thailand's heightened durian imports as a response to its seasonal domestic supply, which has been significantly impacted by El Nino-induced droughts, whereas Vietnam cultivates durian throughout the year.
Furthermore, Thailand has been re-exporting some of the imported fruits to China. Vietnamese dragon fruit, longan, and lychee are notably popular in major Thai retail chains. The trade dynamics between Thailand and Vietnam have transformed over the past decade, with Thailand transitioning from being the top supplier to Vietnam from 2014 to 2019, to witnessing a reduction in imports to $46.5 million in 2023, a fraction of the 2019 figure. However, this year imports from Thailand have seen a 35% increase to $32 million, with dates, mangosteens, tamarind, and pomegranates being the favored imports.
Source: VN Express