In January, durian lost its export "throne" when turnover decreased by 73%, down to 31 million USD, while dragon fruit rose to the top with 58 million USD.
For two consecutive years, durian has topped Vietnam’s fruit export rankings. However, the situation has changed since the beginning of this year. Customs data shows that durian exports have dropped sharply, especially to the Chinese market, which accounts for the majority of the fruit’s output.
Specifically, durian exports to China in January only reached 18 million USD, down more than 83% compared to the same period last year. Total durian exports in the first month of the year were only about 31 million USD. With the sharpest decline among the 30 exported fruits, durian has ceded the top spot to dragon fruit (58 million USD).
According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen - General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, dragon fruit exports are recovering strongly, with January turnover increasing by 35% compared to December 2024. This increase has pushed up the price of dragon fruit in the market, helping this fruit regain its position. Currently, each kilogram of white-fleshed dragon fruit maintains a high price, from 8,000 to 14,000 VND per kilogram.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen said durian has been heavily affected by new regulations from China and many other markets. China has tightened inspections for yellow O - a substance that is a potential carcinogen - causing many durian shipments to be stuck, forcing businesses to resell them in the domestic market at low prices.
The US also banned seven pesticide active ingredients and required USDA-issued growing area codes and packaging codes. The EU increased pesticide testing on many fruits from 10% to 20%.
With increased barriers, durian exports are expected to face difficulties in the first quarter. This has caused the price of this commodity to drop sharply at the beginning of the year. In Dong Thap, Can Tho, Tien Giang, and Vinh Long provinces, the price of Ri 6 grade 1 durian is fluctuating between VND55,000 and VND84,000 per kilogram, down VND15,000 and VND31,000 compared to last week.
Last year, durian set a record with an export turnover of 3.3 billion USD, surpassing even rice, and contributed greatly to the total export turnover of fruits and vegetables (7.2 billion USD). This year, the agricultural sector expects fruit and vegetable exports to reach 8 billion USD. However, experts say that if current difficulties are not resolved soon, this goal will become more challenging than ever.
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