Fruit and vegetable exports nationwide decreased for 3 consecutive months

This trend is in stark contrast to 2024, when Vietnam's fruit and vegetable industry maintained strong growth throughout the year.

Illustration photo.

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), it is estimated that in March fruit and vegetable export reached 421 million USD, down 10.5% over the same period last year. This is the third consecutive month that fruit and vegetable export turnover has decreased; in complete contrast to 2024, this industry accelerated from the beginning of the year and lasted for 12 months.

In the first three months of 2025, fruit and vegetable exports reached only 1.1 billion USD, down 13.2% compared to the same period last year. The main reason is that durian - accounting for half of the industry's turnover - encountered difficulties when China required testing for cadmium residue and yellow O, causing customs clearance time to be extended.

Products exported from Vietnam are only tested at a certain rate. When they arrive at the Chinese border gate, they take samples for re-testing. If the product fails, it will be returned. This makes it difficult not only for fresh durian but also for frozen products, and many businesses do not dare to enter the market.

Besides, other markets such as the US and Europe also strengthen regulations on inspection of imported goods standards.

A company specializing in durian export to China in the Central Highlands region expressed concern because for many months now, durian export activities have not been able to return to normal due to the yellow O quality inspection procedure. This has greatly affected the company's revenue this year.

Faced with the above situation, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Vice President of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit) - commented that the fruit and vegetable industry will face difficulties in achieving the export target of 8 billion USD this year.

"However, if everyone involved in this value chain is aware of the risks and challenges and acts responsibly for the common good of the industry, the fruit and vegetable industry will achieve its set goals," Mr. Binh added.

On the other hand, fruit and vegetable imports in the first quarter reached nearly 578 USD, up 17% over the same period, reflecting increased domestic consumption and processing demand.

China is still Vietnam's main fruit and vegetable import market, followed by the US, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Netherlands...

Although exports decreased compared to the same period in 2024, the fruit and vegetable industry still maintained a positive trade balance. In March, the fruit and vegetable trade surplus reached nearly 249 million USD, and in the first 3 months of the year, the trade surplus reached nearly 522 million USD. This trade surplus shows that despite pressure from many market factors, the industry still maintains its competitive position in the international market.

In 2024, durian exports will reach 3.4 billion USD, accounting for nearly 50% of the total fruit and vegetable industry turnover (over 7.15 billion USD). If quality control issues are resolved well, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports could reach 8 billion USD in 2025.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/xuat-khau-rau-qua-ca-nuoc-giam-3-thang-lien-tiep-3349772.html