Farmers in Vietnam are currently facing a decrease in durian prices, with top-grade Monthong durians now being sold for VND65,000-70,000 (US$2.64-$2.84) per kilogram, marking a 25-30% reduction from the start of the season in July. Similarly, Grade B durians have seen a price adjustment to VND55,000-63,000 per kilogram, approximately 10% lower than the same timeframe last year.
In the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, farmer Minh Thanh expresses hope for a price recovery by the season's end, despite the adverse effects of prolonged heavy rains on fruit quality and selling prices. Hong Anh, managing a 0.5-hectare durian crop in Gia Lai province, faces challenges as initial offers of VND80,000 per kilogram are withdrawn, forcing sales at reduced prices due to compromised quality from excessive rainfall.
Manh Hoang, a trader in the Central Highlands, notes the impact of unregulated fertilization practices on durian quality, especially when grown alongside pepper and coffee. This has led to a situation where only half of the durians meet export standards, with the remainder being sold domestically in cities such as HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang.
The General Department of Vietnam Customs reports a significant increase in durian exports in the first seven months of 2024, with 476,130 tons exported, valued at US$1.6 billion. However, a decline was observed in July and August, attributed to weather conditions affecting quality. Despite this, the demand for durian exports, particularly to China, is expected to recover, with improved weather conditions anticipated to enhance fruit quality.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, remains optimistic about the durian export market, projecting a potential surge in export turnover to nearly US$3 billion for the year. The recent agreement signed with China for exporting frozen durian is expected to open new avenues for Vietnamese agriculture, contributing significantly to the sector's revenue.
As of 2023, Vietnam's durian production has been substantial, with approximately 500,000 tons of fresh durian exported, primarily to China. The country has dedicated around 151,000 hectares to durian cultivation, with significant contributions from the Central Highlands, southeast, and Mekong Delta regions.
Source: VnExpress