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On November 13, Laos and China strengthened their agricultural cooperation following discussions in Chongqing during the 9th ASEAN-China Ministerial-Level SPS Cooperation Conference.
A new Phytosanitary (SPS) Protocol was signed between Laos’ Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Mr. Kikeo Singnavong, and China’s Deputy Director-General of Customs, Mr. Zhao Zeng Lian. This agreement officially permits the export of Lao longan to the Chinese market, marking the 40th Lao product authorized for entry.
Additionally, both parties agreed to open China’s market to Lao durian under SPS conditions, enabling the export of 400 tons of premium durian from Laos to China by 2026. Officials emphasized that Lao exporters must strictly adhere to China’s food quality and safety standards.
Previously, Laos and China collaborated on various agricultural initiatives, including a 25-year program aimed at enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and improving competitiveness for agricultural products.
Officials from both nations also discussed expanding agricultural trade and simplifying market access procedures. To date, 39 SPS protocols have been issued, allowing the export of 35 plant and 4 animal products from Laos to China. Negotiations continue for additional items, including frozen and cooked beef, which China has agreed to further consider.
The expanded export of longan and durian signifies a crucial step in Laos’ strategy to diversify its agricultural export portfolio and strengthen its role in regional trade.
Vietnam is currently the world’s second-largest exporter of longan and lychee. According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnam’s exports of longan and processed products in Q3/2025 reached USD 40.6 million. Processed longan products, such as dried longan, saw a staggering 1,200% increase compared to the same period last year, totaling nearly USD 23 million in Q3. Over the first nine months of 2025, exports of processed longan products grew by nearly 300%, reflecting strong demand from major markets…
China is the primary formal import market, with an annual demand of approximately 700,000 tons of longan. Alongside durian, sweet potatoes, dragon fruit, rambutan, mangoes, jackfruit, and longan, these fruits remain among Vietnam’s stable imports permitted by China.
Vietnam boasts several large longan-growing regions, with Son La, Hung Yen, and northern provinces leading in production, covering a total area of approximately 68,000 hectares. Hung Yen is considered the nation’s longan production hub, with around 5,800 hectares. Of this, 15-20% are dedicated to traditional specialty varieties like honey longan and ancient longan, renowned for their sweet, crisp flesh, thick pulp, and small seeds. Key cultivation areas include Hong Chau, Tan Hung, Duc Hop, Hong Quang, Khoai Chau, Chau Ninh, and Trieu Viet Vuong.
