Vietnam’s durian exports have recently faced setbacks due to China’s stricter inspections for cadmium and yellow substance. Photo: XT

Recently, Vinacam Joint Stock Group sent a document to the Prime Minister requesting the consideration of addressing cadmium information in DAP fertilizer. Specifically, the document stated that durian has become the center of public attention as thousands of containers were returned by China due to excessive cadmium residue. This situation puts the durian industry at risk of being “wiped out,” leaving farmers and supporting businesses on the brink of loss and bankruptcy if the issue is not thoroughly addressed.

In the document presented to the Prime Minister, Vinacam mentioned a type of DAP fertilizer from South Korea that is popular among farmers because of its quick solubility, making it suitable for industrial and high-value fruit trees, especially durian. In fact, the major consuming areas of this fertilizer are Tien Giang, Long An, Dong Thap, Binh Duong, and Dong Nai.

According to Vietnamese standards, the cadmium content in DAP fertilizer, in general, and South Korean DAP, in particular, must not exceed the maximum limit of 12 mg/kg during importation and circulation.

However, the DAP fertilizer produced by the Namhae factory in South Korea contains cadmium levels beyond the permitted limit. According to leading DAP importing businesses, the cadmium content in the imported DAP fertilizer from South Korea reaches up to 28mg/kg.

Vinacam had already warned about this issue back in July 2023 through an official dispatch sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, among other relevant agencies. Yet, up to now, the issue remains unresolved, especially concerning the batch of South Korean DAP fertilizer with excessive cadmium content.

Vinacam’s Petition to the Prime Minister

Vinacam has sent a document to the Prime Minister requesting consideration for addressing cadmium information in DAP fertilizer. Illustration

Given the decades-long habit and trust of Vietnamese farmers in South Korean DAP fertilizer, the Vinacam Group believes that this could be one of the reasons for the increased cadmium residue in the soil, leading to excessive levels in durian.

Facing the risk of affecting other exported agricultural products from the same growing regions that use this fertilizer, the Vinacam Group continues to petition the government with four directives to clarify the handling procedure for the South Korean DAP batch with high cadmium levels, publicly disclose the inspection results and handling plan, urgently test for cadmium residue in other agricultural products, and issue clear recommendations for farmers to address the returned durian containers.

The Vinacam Group emphasizes that transparency in the handling process is mandatory to protect the exported agricultural industry, thereby avoiding economic losses for the country and preventing farmers and businesses from being put in a passive position. Vinacam is ready to provide relevant documents and information if requested by the authorities.

Durian Exports Witness a Sharp Decline in the Past Three Years

Recently, Vietnamese durian has faced challenges in the Chinese market, partly due to cadmium residue issues. Photo: LT

According to the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection – Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in 2024, Vietnam’s durian exports achieved impressive growth, becoming a key item in the fruit and vegetable industry. Specifically, durian export turnover reached a record high of over $3.3 billion, accounting for nearly 50% of the country’s total fruit and vegetable export turnover.

Among Vietnam’s durian export markets, China was the main consumer, accounting for nearly 91% of the total durian export turnover, with a value of over $2.9 billion in 2024.

However, in the first four months of 2025, Vietnam’s durian exports witnessed an unexpected decline, with a total turnover of only about $120-130 million, equivalent to 35,000 tons, or just 20% of the plan. This is considered the most significant drop in the past three years, dragging down the value of the entire industry.

According to the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, the reason for this decline is China’s stricter quality control for imported durian since the beginning of the year. The tightening of standards for quarantine, cadmium and yellow substance residue, and traceability has resulted in many Vietnamese batches failing to meet the requirements and being returned, causing disruptions in the consumption chain.

You may also like

“Former Chairman of Vietnam Rubber Group, Tran Ngoc Thuan, Faces Disciplinary Action: What You Need to Know”

The Central Inspection Committee has proposed that competent authorities consider disciplinary action against Mr. Tran Ngoc Thuan, former Chairman of the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG). Mr. Thuan is accused of moral and political degeneration, as well as violations of Party regulations and state laws.

“US-Vietnam Trade: A Call for Fair Tariff Treatment”

Let me know if you would like me to tweak it further or provide additional suggestions!

Emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive strategic partnership, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested that the United States adopt a balanced approach in tariff negotiations, supporting sustainable economic and trade development between the two nations.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative: Vietnam Seeks Nearly 4,000 Elite Professionals for its National Endeavor

This project is slated to be operational by 2030, with a latest launch date of late 2031, to ensure economic and societal development.

The Largest Vietnamese Maritime Enterprise, Affiliated with the Ministry of Defense, Selects French Partner CMA CGM for a 13,000 Billion VND Project in Hai Phong

CMA CGM, a leading French container shipping company, ranks third globally in terms of shipping volume in TEU.

“The Party’s General Secretary: Resolution 57 is Not a Political Slogan, But a Practical Action Plan”

“General Secretary To Lam emphasized that Resolution 57 is not merely a political slogan but a practical action plan for Vietnam’s take-off. Thus, implementation efforts must be regularly monitored. Existing limitations and bottlenecks must be promptly evaluated and addressed without delay.”