Expanding markets, improving quality

Speaking with the Industry and Trade Newspaper, a representative from Chanh Thu Fruit Import-Export Co., Ltd. said the company’s export performance in 2025 has been positive, with markets expanding significantly. However, exporters have also faced a wave of new import standards and regulations. By adapting swiftly, businesses have improved product quality, mitigated risks, and met increasingly stringent international requirements.

China remains the main export destination, particularly for durian. Due to weather impacts and stricter import standards, exporters have had to strengthen quality control from cultivation to packaging.“The beginning of the year was challenging, but conditions have improved since mid-year. The market usually becomes more favorable toward the end of the year, especially during the Lunar New Year and Mid-autumn festival. While durian prices have surged, higher prices also come with higher risks. Therefore, controlling pesticide residues and packaging standards is crucial,”  the Chanh Thu representative said.

In addition, Vietnam’s official export of pomelo to Australia marks another success following its entry into the United States market. This development opens new opportunities to expand markets and increase product value. Farmers and exporters have made thorough preparations to meet import standards and ensure strong linkages across production and distribution chains.

Rising export value, aiming for USD 8.5 billion

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports were estimated at USD 961 million in October 2025, bringing the total for the first ten months to USD 7.09 billion up 15.1% year-on-year. China accounted for the largest share at 62.9%, followed by the United States (6.6%) and the Republic of Korea (3.9%). Among the top 15 markets, exports to Malaysia recorded the sharpest increase (70.2%), while exports to Thailand fell the most (55.6%).

Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said exporters have increasingly applied high technology, complied with traceability regulations, and maintained certified growing areas and packing facilities to meet food safety standards. As a result, Vietnamese fruit and vegetables have gained wider access to global markets, boosting export value, especially for key products such as durian, dragon fruit, mango, jackfruit, and coconut.

Durian, the leading export item, reached USD 1.94 billion in value in the third quarter of 2025, up 30.3% year-on-year. For the first nine months, durian exports totaled USD 2.76 billion, down slightly by 1.7% but still contributing significantly to overall export earnings. Other products also recorded strong growth, with demand expected to rise further toward year-end festivals and the Lunar New Year.

Nguyen noted that monthly export turnover in the final quarter would likely stay above USD 900 million, bringing the annual total to about USD 8.5 billion. Exporters are now focusing on major markets such as China, the United States, Japan, and Germany.

According to exporters, Vietnamese fruits and vegetables account for roughly 20% of China’s total fruit import value, benefiting from geographic proximity, short delivery times, and improved quality. However, companies must strictly comply with phytosanitary, traceability, and packaging standards while staying alert to regulatory changes.

The United States remains a promising yet challenging market due to high logistics costs, especially for fresh produce. As a result, Vietnamese exporters are prioritizing processed products with longer shelf lives, aligned with consumer preferences for convenience and nutrition.

Speaking with Industry and Trade Newspaper, Nguyen Dinh Tung, General Director of Vina T&T Group, emphasized that Vietnam has successfully exported a wide range of fruits to demanding markets such as the United States, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Canada, while overcoming stringent technical barriers in China. Negative feedback from these markets has been minimal and continues to decline, demonstrating the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s agricultural sector.

He added that with pomelo now officially entering the Australian market, total fruit and vegetable exports are forecast to exceed USD 8 billion by the end of 2025. “Although the second quarter fell short of expectations, the strong performance in the third quarter and additional pomelo exports will help achieve the year’s target. For 2026, we aim for growth of 10 - 12% over 2025, along with expanding the range of fruit exported to global markets,” Nguyen Dinh Tung said.

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable industry is seizing opportunities to expand markets, enhance quality, and strengthen linkages from production to consumption. With rigorous export standard compliance, advanced preservation technology, and greater value addition, Vietnam is well-positioned to achieve the USD 8.5 billion export target in 2025 and solidify its standing on the global agricultural export map.

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports in the first ten months of 2025 continued to maintain strong growth momentum, expand market reach, and enhance export value.