According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, during Minister Tran Duc Thang’s working visit from November 26-28 with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), both parties signed a Protocol on the export of fresh Vietnamese jackfruit to China.
Speaking with Tien Phong, Mr. Nguyen Van Muoi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), stated that for many years, Vietnamese jackfruit has primarily been traded through border gates, leading to unstable prices and frequent “bumper harvest – price drop” situations. Despite a cultivation area of approximately 84,000 hectares and an output of over 1 million tons, the announced export value in 2024 reached only $146 million, a modest figure compared to its potential.
Customs statistics show that in Q3 of this year, jackfruit exports reached around $17.7 million, a 52% increase year-on-year, but the nine-month turnover still decreased by about 20%. This reflects existing market demand, even growth, but quality barriers, logistics, and quarantine measures significantly impact the flow of goods.
“Formal exports of fresh jackfruit will reduce vulnerability to policy changes or sudden quarantine tightening. This is a buffer for farmers and businesses to standardize production, with coded planting areas, packaging facilities, GAP application, and controlled use of plant protection products, harvesting, packaging, and transportation processes. If achieved, farmers will have a stable market,” Mr. Muoi emphasized.
The Protocol on formal jackfruit exports to China provides a more stable market for jackfruit growers.
Currently, some companies like Cau Ke (Tra Vinh) and Vina T&T have invested in segmenting and freezing export lines, selling at three times the price of fresh jackfruit, but the scale remains small and raw material areas are unstable.
With the “visa” for formal exports to China, many businesses expect significant opportunities, reduced trade risks, and affirmation of their ability to meet stringent standards from the world’s largest market for Vietnamese agricultural products.
“This is good news for businesses and farmers. However, companies need time to prepare standard raw material areas, cold logistics, traceability, change cultivation habits, and ensure uniform quantity and quality. This cannot be a ‘sprint of a few days or weeks’ but a process of reorganizing production,” shared a leader of a major Southern exporter.
Mr. Huynh Tan Dat, Director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, assessed the Protocol as a significant milestone, reflecting close political and trade cooperation between the two countries. It not only opens major opportunities for the jackfruit industry but also promotes standard upgrades, professionalism, transparent traceability, and full compliance with quarantine and food safety requirements.
To date, Vietnam and China have signed five protocols for agricultural products. For jackfruit, “the door is open, and the rest depends on how businesses and farmers reorganize production to break free from the cycle of trend-based cultivation and risky sales, moving towards a stable and sustainable value chain.”
“Formal exports of fresh jackfruit are not only politically symbolic but also a clear market signal. Chinese consumers increasingly favor tropical fruits and clean, traceable agricultural products. Jackfruit, long associated with this market through informal channels, now has the chance to upgrade to a higher-standard playing field,” said the leader of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection.
Regarding durian, the leader of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection also mentioned that the department has completed a technical report on managing and identifying causes and solutions for cadmium residue in durian production.
“We have clearly identified cadmium residue from soil and fertilizers and proposed suitable solutions, such as recommending the use of Biochar products, which can retain and absorb cadmium during production. The General Administration of Customs of China has newly approved over 800 codes for durian growing areas and more than 130 packaging facilities in Vietnam,” the leader added.
Vietnamese Fruit Gains Official Export Status to China: Farmers Reap Significant Benefits!
Vietnam has officially added another fruit to its list of exports to China, marking a significant milestone for sustainable agricultural development. This new addition not only strengthens trade relations but also opens up exciting opportunities for long-term growth in the industry.
