The Unbelievable Growth: Vietnam’s “King” Product Sees a 186-Fold Increase in Cambodian Demand

According to statistics from the General Department of Customs, as of the end of July this year, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports reached nearly $3.9 billion, a significant increase of 25.9% compared to the same period last year. Durian, bananas, and dragon fruit were the main contributors to this growth in export turnover in the first seven months of the year.

Durian played a significant role in achieving these results. According to data from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), cumulative durian exports in the first seven months reached $1.6 billion, a 50% increase compared to the same period last year. Durian accounted for 41% of Vietnam’s total fruit and vegetable export turnover and increased by 7% compared to the same period in 2023. In July alone, durian exports reached a record high of $280 million (nearly VND 7,000 billion), an increase of 82% over the same period last year.

Among the top ten markets for Vietnamese durian imports in the first half of the year, China led with a turnover of $1.22 billion, accounting for 92.4%. Compared to the same period last year, durian exports to China increased by 46%. The Thai market ranked second, with $47 million, a 95.5% increase compared to the first half of 2023.

Notably, Cambodia significantly increased its imports from Vietnam in the first seven months. Currently, Cambodia is the ninth-largest market for Vietnamese durian imports.

Cambodia has increased its import volume of durian from Vietnam by 186 times compared to the same period last year, reaching a value of $2.53 million.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that Cambodia attracts many foreign tourists, including those from China, resulting in a high demand for durian consumption. Meanwhile, their domestic supply is limited, so they have increased imports from Vietnam.

He also emphasized that, with the current growth rate, durian exports in 2024 are expected to reach $3 billion and potentially up to $3.5 billion.

The largest durian-growing region in Vietnam is currently in the Central Highlands provinces, followed by the Mekong Delta, the Southeast region, and a small number in the South Central Coastal provinces. Vietnam has the advantage of supplying durian all year round, while durian from other countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia, are nearing the end of their seasons.

Thailand is currently the world’s largest exporter of durian, with exports reaching $7 billion in 2023. Thailand is also Vietnam’s biggest competitor in this market.

A report on the durian industry by international economic expert Aat Pisanwanich, cited in The Nation, suggests that Thailand’s durian production could decline by up to 53% in the next five years, falling to around 640,000 tons if the Thai government does not take early action to address climate change. Just the drought this year is estimated to have reduced Thailand’s durian production by 42%, to about 540,000 tons. This presents a significant opportunity for Vietnam to increase its market share internationally.