Vietnamese durian selling well in overseas markets

Durians have been sorted and ripened for distribution in southern Vietnam

Statistics show that durian exports brought back more than US$1.6 billion in the first seven months of this year, up 50% compared to the same period in 2023.

China consumed most, spending US$1.47 billion on imports, an increase of nearly 53% year on year. It was followed by Thailand that imported US$65 million worth of the fruit, up 51%, and Hong Kong (China) that spent nearly US$19 million, up 24%.

Durian exports to the Republic of Korea, Papua New Guinea, Japan, and Cambodia also surged significantly, with increases ranging from 50% to several thousand percent.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary-general of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), says that Vietnamese durians are increasingly preferred by many countries due to year-round production and low logistics costs, particularly for the Chinese market.

In August 2024, Vietnam and China signed a protocol for the export of frozen durians, presenting a wealth of opportunities for Vietnamese farmers and processors.

Last year, Vietnam exported approximately 500,000 tonnes of fresh durians, valued at US$2.3 billion, with 90% of the fruit going to China.