According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, the trade figures for fruits and vegetables from Vietnam have presented a dynamic picture in the first eleven months of 2024. The country saw its import and export turnovers reach $2.1 billion and $6.6 billion, respectively. A notable surplus of $4.5 billion was recorded in this sector, with durian contributing to 40-45 percent of the export earnings.
In a strategic move to bolster its agricultural sector, Vietnam agreed to export frozen durian and fresh coconut to China in August 2024. This development led to the immediate signing of substantial contracts by Vietnamese companies, including deals to ship as many as 1,500 containers of coconut to China.
The appeal of Vietnamese agricultural offerings, such as coconut, passion fruit, and other fruits, is on the rise in the United States, signaling a robust potential for market expansion. Meanwhile, adverse weather conditions in Thailand have curtailed its agricultural production, prompting an increase in its procurement of Vietnamese produce for domestic consumption and re-export to China.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, the General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, highlighted China's critical role in the market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, especially durian. With the current momentum, Vietnam is on track to surpass Thailand as the top durian exporter to China in the forthcoming years. The projected value of fruit and vegetable exports from Vietnam is expected to reach around $7.2 billion for the year.
Source: Saigon News