Exports of fruit and vegetables from Vietnam fell by 10.5% year-on-year in March, amounting to an estimated US$421 million. This marks the third consecutive month of decline. In January, exports decreased by 5.2% to $416 million, and in February, they dropped by 6.5% to $303 million.
The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association attributes the decline mainly to reduced durian shipments. Dang Phuc Nguyen, the association's general secretary, stated that China, Vietnam's largest export market, has been updating import regulations since the start of the year. These updates include mandatory testing for cadmium and auramine O residues in durian shipments at accredited laboratories.
Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, and auramine O, an industrial dye, are both under strict control due to potential cancer risks. The new testing requirements have resulted in longer and more complex customs clearance procedures, presenting challenges for exporters. Nguyen noted that some exporters have paused shipments to China to complete the necessary procedures.
Nguyen also mentioned that if the current situation continues, this year's export figures might fall short of last year's total of $7.15 billion, with durian contributing $3.4 billion. The target for this year is set at $8 billion, which remains possible if the inspection issues are resolved promptly.
Source: VNExpress