The Republic of Korea has recently started importing Vietnamese pomelo, and China has begun accepting Vietnamese fresh coconuts and frozen durian. Concurrently, the United States has completed negotiations on technical requirements for the importation of Vietnamese passion fruit. This development marks a significant step in diversifying export products for Vietnam, alleviating seasonal harvest pressures, and enhancing the value added to its fruits.
In a statement, Alexis M. Taylor, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs of the US, noted the complementary nature of agricultural products between Vietnam and the United States. To date, the US has approved the importation of eight Vietnamese fruit types, including dragon fruit, mango, grapefruit, rambutan, longan, lychee, star apple, and coconut. In return, Vietnam has opened its market to various US fruits such as oranges, grapes, cherries, pears, peaches, nectarines, blueberries, and apples.
Additionally, the completion of procedures for the sale of Vietnamese durian in China has been announced. Vietnamese fruits are now available in 60 international markets, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). Phan Thi Thu Hien, director of MARD's Post-Import Plant Quarantine Centre No. 2, emphasized that each importing country has its own set of regulations, ranging from food safety to quarantine requirements for export shipments.
With the US market still offering considerable opportunities for Vietnamese fruit, exporters are encouraged to focus on specific regions, states, or communities. However, adapting to the comprehensive needs of American consumers presents a formidable challenge. The acceptance of Vietnamese frozen durian by China is anticipated to facilitate market expansion for this product.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association (Vinafruit), highlighted that exporting frozen durian could mitigate the accumulation of goods during peak harvest seasons, regulate output, stabilize prices, and increase income for farmers and businesses. It also catalyzes the development of processed durian products and preservation technologies.
The European market's growing interest in tropical fruits, known for their health benefits and fresh flavors, represents another promising avenue for Vietnamese exporters. Tropical fruits like pomegranate, dragon fruit, and rambutan are gaining popularity in Europe, offering Vietnamese cooperatives and exporters an opportunity to penetrate this large market. However, ensuring the freshness, taste, and quality of these fruits, by food safety and sustainability standards, remains crucial for success in these markets.
Experts have called for the development of national standards for processed products, which would serve as a foundation for product quality assessment and standardization before entering new markets globally.
Source: Voice of Vietnam