It’s durian season, and the world is going crazy for this unique fruit. According to experts, China is leading the way in durian consumption, with the highest import rate globally. In 2023 alone, China spent approximately 6.7 billion USD on importing over 1.42 million tons of fresh durian, a nearly 70% increase from 2022. The market for durian in China is booming, with a predicted value of 20 billion USD by 2028.
Thailand and Vietnam are the primary suppliers of this spiky fruit to China, with Vietnam holding a significant market share. In fact, according to Vietnam Customs, 96.8% of Vietnam’s durian exports in 2023 were destined for China, making it the dominant export market for Vietnamese durian.
Vietnam’s Durian Industry Smashes Records
Vietnam’s durian exports reached an impressive 2.5 billion USD in just the first 9 months of 2024. Illustrative image
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, revealed that Vietnam’s durian exports hit a staggering 2.5 billion USD in the first nine months of 2024, surpassing the record set in 2023 (2.24 billion USD). This achievement is unprecedented in the history of Vietnam’s durian industry, setting a new benchmark for fruit and vegetable exports.
Mr. Nguyen emphasized that the 2.5 billion USD figure in just nine months is a historic high for the durian industry and an exceptional feat for a single fruit or vegetable export. The association’s preliminary statistics indicate that China remains the primary export market for Vietnamese durian, with an estimated value of 2.3 billion USD.
The Secretary-General predicted that Vietnam’s “king of fruits” exports would undoubtedly surpass 3 billion USD in 2024. This optimism is based on the upcoming harvest season in October, when major durian-producing regions like Gia Lai and Lam Dong will be in full swing. Additionally, the off-season harvest in the Mekong Delta will also contribute to the year’s total yield.
Farmgate prices for durian in growing areas currently range from 42,000 to 95,000 VND per kg, depending on the variety. These prices ensure profitable returns for farmers who have dedicated their efforts to cultivating this lucrative fruit.
Bright Prospects for Vietnamese Durian
Vietnamese durian has a promising future in the Chinese market. Image source: NNVN
The opportunities for Vietnamese durian go beyond fresh fruit exports. Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen shared that businesses are working diligently to complete the necessary procedures for exporting frozen durian to China. At the current pace, it is anticipated that Vietnam will begin exporting frozen durian to China as early as November 2024, marking a significant milestone for the industry.
Previously, on September 19, at a conference on disseminating regulations for exporting frozen durian to China, Mr. Nguyen Quang Hieu, Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department, emphasized that China is the number one potential market for Vietnamese fresh and frozen durian exports.
Mr. Hieu elaborated that since August 2024, China officially opened its market to Vietnamese durian through the signing of a protocol allowing the import of frozen durian. This development presents a “golden opportunity” for the durian industry to enhance its value and reduce the risks associated with relying solely on fresh fruit exports.
According to the Plant Protection Department, with the recently signed protocol, China’s current demand, and Vietnam’s capacity, the country’s frozen durian exports to China are projected to reach 300 million USD in 2024. However, this outcome is contingent on the timely completion of business registrations and the swift commencement of exports.
Vietnam ranks third globally in durian production and area under cultivation. Image source: AI
Notably, representatives from the Plant Protection Department estimated that China imports approximately 7 billion USD worth of fresh durian annually. However, they predicted that durian exports to the billion-strong market could surpass 10 billion USD in the next few years, showcasing the immense potential for growth.
However, challenges remain. For instance, Vietnamese farmers and businesses must contend with China’s experimental durian plantations in southern Hainan Island, spanning 2,700 hectares. Additionally, some Vietnamese enterprises have not fully complied with the protocols agreed upon between the two countries, leading to technical violations. If left unaddressed, these issues could lead to corrective measures by China, impacting the entire industry.
As of 2023, Vietnam ranked third globally in durian production and area under cultivation, with nearly 1.2 million tons, following Indonesia (1.8 million tons) and Thailand (over 2.32 million tons). Besides China, Vietnamese durian is also favored in markets such as Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and the USA.
References: Mard, Customs, Vinafruit
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