In Vietnam, a notable shift in durian prices was observed on Monday, particularly in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands, the country's foremost durian-producing regions. The highest-grade Ri6 durians experienced a price adjustment, selling at VND163,000 ($6.45) per kilogram in the Mekong Delta, marking a 1.9% increase from the weekend. Concurrently, prices remained stable at VND160,000 ($6.32) per kilogram in the Central Highlands. On the other hand, Monthong durian prices saw a 2.9% rise to VND175,000 ($6.92) per kilogram in the Central Highlands, while maintaining the same price in the Mekong Delta. Export prices for the Ri6 variety and the Thai cultivar were consistent at VND152,000 ($6.01) and VND179,000 ($7.07) per kilogram, respectively.
The demand for durians is surging internationally, with eight markets notably increasing imports of Vietnamese durian this year. This surge has propelled Vietnam's durian exports to over $2.8 billion in the first nine months, a 63% increase from the previous year, and the highest ever for this period. According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), durian production in Vietnam reached 984,800 tons by the end of September, up 16.6% year-on-year. With the harvest season commencing in October in Gia Lai and Lam Dong, and off-season crops in the Mekong Delta to be harvested later in the year, total production is anticipated to surpass 1.2 million tons.
Vietnam not only caters to domestic demand but also exports a considerable volume of durians to countries like China and Thailand. Durian export revenue in the past nine months is estimated at $2.5 billion, setting a new record, with exports to China alone accounting for approximately $2.3 billion. On the import front, Vietnam's durian imports during the first eight months of 2024 reached nearly $9 million, a staggering 1,057% increase from the same period last year. The domestic market features a wide range of Vietnamese durians, alongside premium-priced imports from Thailand and Malaysia. The cost of durians varies significantly, with imported varieties such as Fumoni, Kanyao, Black Thorn, and Musang King fetching prices between VND200,000 ($7.90) to VND1 million ($39.50) per kilogram, depending on the grade and mode of transportation.
Source: VNExpress
Source: Vietnamnet