Vietnam's durian exports have declined, falling behind dragon fruit and bananas in the first two months of 2025, due to stringent import regulations. Dragon fruit and banana exports reached $93.8 million and $71.8 million, respectively, as per customs data.
Durian exports dropped by 69% year-on-year to $52.7 million. Exports to China, the largest market for Vietnamese durian, decreased by 83% to $27 million. Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, attributed this to stricter quality requirements in China and other major markets.
China has intensified inspections for Auramine O, a carcinogen, causing delays at customs. The U.S. has prohibited seven plant protection chemicals and demands codes for growing areas and packaging facilities from its Department of Agriculture. Europe has increased inspections for pesticide residues in Vietnamese durian to 20%.
Vietnamese farmers encounter difficulties managing cadmium levels, while packaging facilities face challenges in post-harvest preservation. Large orchard fruits meeting food safety and export standards command high prices but represent a small portion of the supply. Ri 6 durians of the highest grade were priced at $2.87 per kilogram, while lower quality ones ranged from $1.34 to $1.53.
Manh Khuong, a durian trader in the Mekong Delta, noted stable exports to Japan and South Korea but barriers in China. He primarily sells domestically due to steady prices. Optimism remains for export growth with increased frozen durian shipments to China and the main harvest in June. Vietnam's first frozen durian batch was exported to China on March 24, originating from the Krong Pac District, Dak Lak.
Source: VNExpress