China, US Boost Imports of Vietnamese Fruits and Vegetables

Vietnam’s Fruit and Vegetable Exports in High Demand in Global Markets

In an interview with Tien Phong Newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T Group, shared that their fruit exports have been experiencing impressive growth due to continuous market expansion. This year, the company has successfully entered new markets such as Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East for various types of fruits. Notably, Vina T&T has also started exporting frozen durian to the US and mangoes to Thailand.

“These are new ventures for us this year. As a result, we have been inundated with orders. Our revenue in the first half of this year has increased by double digits compared to the same period last year,” said Mr. Tung.

Mr. Tung emphasized the significant demand for fruits and vegetables in global markets. He stated that Vietnamese products, if able to maintain consistent quality, will find their place in these markets. For instance, the company has witnessed a surge in orders for durian exports to China, with an expected volume of 2,500 tons of fresh durian to be exported this year.

“This is a figure we didn’t think we could achieve so soon after entering this market,” shared the leader of Vina T&T Group.

Mr. Nguyen Huy Hoang Phat, Chairman of Hoang Phat Fruit JSC, shared that despite a sudden increase in shipping costs in the last two months, agricultural product exporters have been striving to fulfill their signed contracts as countries are increasing their fruit and vegetable imports from Vietnam.

As a major exporter of dragon fruit, Mr. Phat attributed the favorable conditions to the impact of El Nino, which has reduced the global supply of dragon fruit, creating opportunities for Vietnamese dragon fruit to enter new markets in Europe and North America.

In the first half of this year, dragon fruit exports to the US, UK, and Germany have more than doubled compared to the same period last year. India and Australia have also significantly increased their imports of Vietnamese dragon fruit.

“This year, domestic dragon fruit prices have soared. For example, white-flesh dragon fruit is being purchased directly from farms at 20,000-25,000 VND/kg, a 40-50% increase compared to last year. Red-flesh dragon fruit is fetching up to 40,000 VND/kg. To secure raw materials for export, our company has been working closely with farmers in Long An, Dong Thap, Can Tho, An Giang, and Tien Giang,” said Mr. Phat.

Forecast to Reach $7-7.5 Billion in Exports

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), fruit and vegetable exports in June are estimated at nearly $780 million. For the first half of the year, exports have increased by over 28% compared to the same period last year, with durian, dragon fruit, and bananas leading the way.

Durian exports alone brought in $1.05 billion in just two months (May and June), contributing to a total of $1.5 billion in the first half of the year.

Additionally, the main markets for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables have maintained positive growth. China remains the largest importer, with an estimated value of $2.2 billion (a 33% increase compared to last year). South Korea is the second-largest market, with exports valued at $180 million, followed by the US at nearly $150 million.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of Vinafruit, stated that the main durian harvest season in the Central Highlands provinces will begin in September and October, which is expected to further boost fruit and vegetable exports in the coming months.

Last year, this period saw record-high durian exports for Vietnam due to Thailand’s shortage of supply. Furthermore, if the Protocol on Fresh Coconut Export between Vietnam and China is signed and implemented soon, coconut exports are predicted to surge, surpassing the $1 billion mark.

Vinafruit representatives forecast that if opportunities from export protocols are seized, fruit and vegetable exports this year could reach $7-7.5 billion (compared to $5.7 billion last year), setting a new record for the industry.