Durian is playing an important role in agricultural exports, therefore, strictly controlling the quality of the entire chain will help increase the export turnover of this product.

Increase control at border gates

At Kim Thanh International Border Gate No. 2 (Lao Cai province), the average amount of fresh fruit exported per day is currently about 100 vehicles, of which more than 90 vehicles are durian, the rest are dragon fruit, bananas, jackfruit, grapefruit... At present, the price of Monthong durian is about 90 thousand VND/kg; Ri6 durian is about 60 thousand VND/kg, each truck of exported goods is worth from 1.1 to 1.5 billion VND.

According to Lao Cai Border Gate Customs Branch, in the first 6 months of 2024, the total value of imported and exported goods through Lao Cai border gate reached 1.1 billion USD. Of which, the value of exported agricultural products reached 535 million USD; Most of which are exports of durian fruit with nearly 97 thousand tons (worth 412 million USD), dragon fruit (49.6 million USD), watermelon (13.6 million USD),... Durian is playing an important role in agricultural export.

However, according to export businesses, recently, China has stepped up quarantine and testing for banned substances, especially heavy metal content in durian fruit. After 2 - 3 days, the results will be available, only then will the durian be eligible to be imported into your country. Therefore, there have been cars that were slow to be delivered, or even returned because of poor quality.

To minimize this risk, durian traders and exporters proactively check cadmium content before sending goods to Lao Cai. Currently, there are about 17 points where cadmium content in fruit can be tested. These checkpoints are near durian granaries or large cities. Thereby, we can ensure product quality when exported to the Chinese market.

It is necessary to maintain quality to increase export turnover

Regarding concerns about durian having "heavy metal" residues exceeding the allowed level, Mr. Nguyen Quy Duong - Deputy Director of Plant Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) - informed; After China issued a warning about more than 30 batches of durian contaminated with cadmium, the Department set up a working group to inspect and take samples (including soil, water, fertilizer...) at factories and growing areas on the warning list. However, during this inspection, the Department has not yet found the cause.

Currently, the Department continues to set up a second inspection working group. The Department is discussing with businesses, packaging facilities, and growing areas, focusing on Tien Giang province. The units work diligently and actively. Results are expected in July. At that time, the Department will release information and work with the Chinese side to find ways to handle this issue.

Vietnam was licensed to export durian to China for the first time in 2021 and became the country's second largest durian supplier, only after Thailand. According to data from the General Administration of Customs of China, in 2023, China imported 1.4 million tons of durian. In particular, Thailand's market share in USD decreased from nearly 100% in 2021 to about 68%.

In the first 5 months of this year, Thailand exported 2.2 billion USD of durian to China, down 2.5% over the same period last year. Meanwhile, Vietnam's export turnover of this product to China increased by 61% to 661.48 million USD.

Durian imported from Vietnam is said to be the reason driving down the price of this product in China. In the country of billions of people, durian is considered the "king fruit", used as gifts on special occasions such as weddings.

According to analysts, the large import demand from China in recent times has helped the market share of Vietnamese durian in this country increase rapidly; But this can also be the reason why many farmers chase quantity and ignore quality.

According to experts, China is a large market with many opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural exports, but there are very strict regulations. Therefore, individuals and businesses involved in import and export need to proactively consult and find out information from businesses and partners providing goods before signing a contract.

In particular, for durian products exported to Lao Cai, it is necessary to ensure that the growing area code is not included in the Chinese side's restricted list due to violating goods...Thereby, avoiding bringing goods to the border gate but not being able to export or deliver them to partners.

A sudden increase in export volume without quality control could affect the reputation of Vietnamese durian. According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen - General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, countries are currently focusing on quality control and brand protection. This is also something that Vietnamese durian export businesses need to pay attention to to increase competitiveness in this billion-people market.

Source: Cong Thuong Newspaper