New regulations and strict inspections from markets have caused durian exports to decrease by 80%, bringing the value of fruits and vegetables in the first two months of the year down to an estimated 677 million USD.
Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports are facing a difficult period as turnover has dropped sharply in the first two months of the year. According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the total export value is estimated at 677 million USD, down 17% compared to the same period last year. In particular, durian, a key fruit that accounts for nearly half of the industry's total export value, has declined dramatically. By mid-February, durian exports had reached only 3,500 tons, down 80% compared to the same period in 2024.
One of the main reasons for this situation is that import markets have tightened quarantine and food safety regulations. China, the largest consumer market, has implemented a policy of inspecting 100% of durian shipments imported from Vietnam. At the same time, since January 10, this country has required shipments to have inspection certificates proving that they do not contain yellow O, a compound that can cause cancer. This has prolonged the customs clearance process, increased the risk of damage to goods, and forced many businesses to return to domestic consumption.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that checking 100% of shipments and requiring a yellow O quality certificate caused durian exports to China to stagnate, and many businesses temporarily stopped to prepare full procedures.
Not only China, other markets have also increased technical barriers to Vietnamese durian. Taiwan has extended the inspection of each imported durian shipment until April 30, after discovering some substandard shipments in August last year. In Europe, the EU has also increased the inspection rate from 10% to 20% due to the discovery of pesticide residues exceeding the permitted level.
In addition to technical factors, export activities were also affected by the extended Lunar New Year holiday. The market suspension during this period caused many shipments to be congested, affecting the supply chain.
Faced with these difficulties, Vietnamese exporters have been forced to adapt. Many companies have proactively reduced their export volumes in January to complete procedures to meet the new requirements. Nguyen Dinh Tung, CEO of Vina T&T, said the company is completing the necessary conditions and expects to resume exporting durian to China at the end of February.
To restore exports, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has introduced measures to tighten quality control, ensuring compliance with the phytosanitary requirements of importing countries. In addition, proactive monitoring, warnings and strict handling of violations have also been promoted to enhance the reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products. In addition, the authorities are also actively negotiating to remove technical barriers, expand consumption markets, and ensure sustainable development for the fruit and vegetable export industry.
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