In the first 7 months of 2024, Thailand spent 123 million USD (about 3,064 billion VND) to import Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, an increase of 70% over the same period last year.
According to the latest report of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT), fruit and vegetable export in the first 8 months of 2024 reached nearly 4.6 billion USD, up 29% over the same period last year. China continues to maintain its position as the largest market, with fruit and vegetable imports from Vietnam reaching nearly 2.5 billion USD in the first 7 months of the year, up 25% over the previous year. The US and South Korea also recorded strong growth with turnover reaching 189 million USD and 188 million USD respectively, up 31% and 51% over the same period in 2023.
Notably, Thailand, which previously ranked 6th after Japan and Taiwan (China), has risen to 4th place in the list of markets importing fruits and vegetables from Vietnam. In the first 7 months of 2024, the export turnover of fruits and vegetables to Thailand reached 123 million USD (about 3,064 billion VND), an increase of 70% over the same period last year. This is the country with the strongest growth in purchasing Vietnamese agricultural products during this period.
Specifically, in the first half of this year, Thailand has increased purchases of longan, lychee and durian from Vietnam. In the first half of 2024, Thailand spent up to 47 million USD to import durian from Vietnam, an increase of 90.5% over the same period in 2023. In particular, the demand for frozen durian from Vietnam has increased sharply, leading to a surge in durian export output.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen - General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association said that Vietnam can supply durian all year round, while Thailand only has durian seasonally (only 4 months). This year, Thailand was severely affected by drought caused by El Nino, reducing durian production and causing the fruit to not reach the desired size. Therefore, Thailand has increased durian imports from Vietnam, some of which are also exported to China.
The fruit and vegetable trade between Vietnam and Thailand has shifted significantly over the past decade. In 2014, Thailand was the number one source of fruit and vegetables for Vietnam, surpassing China and maintaining this position until 2019 with a value of up to 464.2 million USD. However, by 2023, the value of fruit and vegetable imports from Thailand had dropped to 46.5 million USD, down 90% compared to 2019, and Thailand dropped to 9th place in the list of fruit and vegetable suppliers for Vietnam.
In the first 7 months of 2024, Vietnam spent 32 million USD to import fruits and vegetables from Thailand, up 35% over the same period last year, with main items including dates, mangosteen, tamarind, and pomegranate.
It is known that in 2014, Thailand was the number 1 source of fruits and vegetables for Vietnam, surpassing China and maintaining that position until 2019 with a value of more than 464 million USD. After 10 years, in early 2024, Thailand has become the 4th largest fruit and vegetable import market of Vietnam.
VINAFRUIT General Secretary emphasized that when free trade agreements are signed and import tariffs are reduced, countries will often apply technical barriers to protect the domestic market. This requires Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters to constantly update import regulations of markets to respond promptly and effectively.
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