According to preliminary data from the Customs Department, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports in September reached a record high of USD 1.29 billion, a 41% increase compared to the same period in 2024. In the first nine months of the year, the cumulative export value is estimated at USD 6.1 billion, an 8.3% rise year-on-year.
The figure of nearly USD 1.3 billion is surprising, considering September only has 20 days. Therefore, the official result could be even higher. This also suggests that Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports this year might surpass the 2024 record of USD 7.1 billion.
The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association attributes this success primarily to China, which accounts for approximately 60% of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports. In September alone, exports to this market reached nearly USD 800 million.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, noted that the peak harvest of durians in the Central Highlands (the country’s largest growing region) coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival and China’s National Day, leading to a significant increase in output. In previous years, high durian prices limited access for Chinese consumers. However, this year’s competitive pricing has expanded the customer base.
China is one of the largest importers of Vietnamese durians. Illustrative image
Compared to other exporting countries, Vietnamese durians are currently the most affordable and competitive, aligning with Chinese consumers’ preference for reasonably priced products. Additionally, Vietnam offers both fresh and frozen durian products.
Besides durians, other Vietnamese fruits are benefiting from the winter season, when many countries face harvest challenges. Products like mangoes, bananas, pomelos, jackfruits, and passion fruits are also experiencing strong growth.
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Mangoes are among the well-performing fruit and vegetable exports from Vietnam. Illustrative image
Experts highlight Vietnam’s favorable climate and logistics advantages, including direct road, rail, and sea connections to China, which reduce transportation costs and time.
With strong demand from China and the recovery of major markets like the US, South Korea, and Japan, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector is poised for new records.
Notably, in the first eight months of this year, the US spent USD 316 million on Vietnamese fruit and vegetable imports, a 67% increase year-on-year.
Conversely, the US is also the fastest-growing supplier of fruit and vegetables to Vietnam. In the same period, US exports to Vietnam reached USD 353 million, up 47% year-on-year. According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, US importers are increasingly interested in Vietnamese specialties like frozen durian, durian segments, and fresh coconuts.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen predicts that with the current growth rate, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports in 2025 could reach USD 8 billion.
In September, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable imports were estimated at USD 234 million, a nearly 6% increase year-on-year. For the first nine months, the cumulative import value is USD 1.9 billion, up 15% year-on-year. Thus, after nine months, the trade surplus for fruit and vegetables is USD 4.2 billion.
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