In August 2024, vegetable and fruit exports are estimated to reach more than 700 million USD; in the first 8 months of 2024, vegetable and fruit exports are estimated to reach 4.58 billion USD.

China continues to be the largest buyer of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables.

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, in August 2024, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports are estimated to reach more than 700 million USD, up 26.8% over the previous month and up 50.8% over the same period in 2023. This is one of the months with the highest fruit and vegetable export value of the year due to falling in the peak durian harvest period in the Central Highlands. In the first 8 months of the year, fruit and vegetable exports are estimated to reach 4.58 billion USD, up 29.1% over the same period last year.

China continues to be the largest import market with nearly 2.5 billion USD of fruits and vegetables from Vietnam in the first 7 months of the year, accounting for 64% of the market share. Next are the United States and South Korea with export values ​​reaching 189 and 188 million USD, up 31% and 51%, accounting for 4.88% and 4.87% of the market share.

Notably, Thailand has risen to the 4th position in the list of fruit and vegetable import markets from Vietnam. In the first 7 months of 2024, the export turnover of fruits and vegetables to Thailand reached 123 million USD, an increase of 70% over the same period last year. Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen - General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association - said that recently, Thailand has sharply increased its import of durian from our country, including frozen durian. This has promoted the increase in export value through this market. Some shipments of durian from Vietnam imported by Thailand will be used for reverse export to China.

Continue to promote exports to Northeast Asian market

According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, in addition to building brands and positions in the traditional Chinese market, the fruit and vegetable industry is increasingly expanding in the Northeast Asian region.

Accordingly, in this market area, China and South Korea are the two countries with the highest fruit and vegetable export turnover of Vietnam. China is the leading market, accounting for 64% of total export turnover, up 22% over the same period; followed by South Korea, which also increased by 55% over the same period.

In the future, Northeast Asia will be a strategic market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables. Exporting enterprises not only benefit from tariffs but also reduce transportation and logistics costs compared to markets such as the EU, the US, etc.

In terms of products, durian is currently leading in fruit and vegetable export turnover. Mr. Nguyen Quang Hieu - Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department - said that only 25,000 hectares of durian growing areas nationwide have been granted codes. Vietnam is also proposing that China expand the code issuance. In addition, the durian industry also needs to focus on improving product quality to ensure sustainable development.

Ms. Ngo Tuong Vy - General Director of Chanh Thu Fruit Import-Export Corporation - said that durian is still a fruit that will grow well in the coming years. In addition to China, export enterprises are expanding their markets to many countries in the world with potential such as India, Asian countries, etc. In order for Vietnamese durian to develop and compete with other countries, the issuance of standards on post-harvest processing and preservation is an urgent requirement.

In the first half of this year, durian exports reached 1.32 billion USD, an increase of 45% over the same period last year. Tay Nguyen durian is in the harvest season. Frozen durian has also been officially exported to China. Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen commented that durian exports could reach about 3.5 billion USD in 2024.

According to industry experts, when FTAs ​​come into effect, import taxes will decrease, and countries will impose technical barriers. This requires Vietnamese producers and exporters to continuously update import regulations of markets to promptly respond.

Regarding this, Mr. Phung Duc Tien - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development - said that the production organization process from raw material areas, growing areas to codes, packaging facilities... The Plant Protection Department is managing very closely and in the context of deep integration, it requires the entire production chain to be updated, to meet, even exceed, market demand. This is an inevitable requirement to build a Vietnamese agricultural product brand.

It is expected that by the end of 2024, the total area of ​​fruit trees in the country will reach about 1.29 million hectares, an increase of about 20,000 hectares compared to 2023. At this time, many fruits in the Mekong Delta are entering the main season such as durian, dragon fruit, pineapple, watermelon, mango, longan, lychee... which will create a large amount of goods for both fresh export and deep processing.

Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export activities are expected to continue to be favorable in the coming time thanks to abundant domestic supply, and demand from traditional and potential markets is on the rise. With the current momentum and growth, Vietnam's fruits and vegetables can reach a record export turnover of 7 billion USD this year.

Source: Vietnamexport