Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports in April 2026 are estimated at USD 532 million, bringing the total export value in the first four months of 2026 to USD 2.06 billion, up 22.3% compared to the same period in 2025. Vietnamese fruit and vegetable products are primarily exported to China, which accounts for 51% of total export value.

China accounts for 51% of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, fruit and vegetable export value in April 2026 is estimated at USD 532 million, bringing the cumulative export value for the first four months of 2026 to USD 2.06 billion, up 22.3% year-on-year. China remains the largest market, accounting for 51% of total export value.

The next two largest markets are the United States and South Korea, with market shares of 8.5% and 5%, respectively. Compared to the same period last year, export value to China increased by 49.6%, to the United States by 16.5%, and to South Korea by 6.3%.

Among the top 15 export markets, Cambodia recorded the strongest growth, with export value increasing 3.6 times, while Thailand saw the sharpest decline at 28.6%.

However, according to Q1/2026 export data from the Customs Department, although total export turnover increased, several products recorded declines, including bananas down nearly 20%, mangoes over 15%, watermelons about 12%, and jackfruit and lemons down 7% and over 9%, respectively, putting downward pressure on domestic prices.

According to experts, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports are showing signs of slowing after two years of strong growth. The sector is currently facing multiple pressures from U.S. reciprocal tariffs, while China has not significantly increased imports, causing difficulties for many businesses in securing output markets.

Durian, one of Vietnam’s key export products, remained a highlight in Q1/2026, with exports rising nearly 128%. However, moving into April and early May, traders reported increasing difficulties in exports, while procurement prices have dropped to low levels, causing concern among farmers.

As recorded on May 4, durian procurement prices in the Mekong Delta region were as follows: premium Ri6 durian at VND 63,000–65,000/kg; mixed-grade Ri6 at VND 48,000–50,000/kg; premium Thai durian at VND 94,000–95,000/kg; mixed-grade Thai durian at VND 75,000–77,000/kg.

Earlier, on April 28, data from purchasing hubs in the Mekong Delta showed that Ri6 durian prices had dropped sharply to their lowest levels in recent months. Specifically, Grade A Ri6 was commonly priced at VND 42,000–43,000/kg, Grade B at VND 28,000–30,000/kg, and in some areas below VND 25,000/kg. At these price levels, many growers incurred losses.

Meanwhile, Monthong durian maintained high prices, around VND 100,000/kg for Grade A and VND 80,000/kg for Grade B, significantly higher than Ri6 and even Musang King. This price gap reflects consumption trends and market requirements, particularly from China.

According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, Vietnamese durian is under strong competitive pressure from Thailand. April and May mark Thailand’s peak harvest season, with output reaching around 1 million tons within 2.5 months. Each day, China imports approximately 1,500 containers of durian from Thailand, creating significant supply pressure.

In addition, Chinese consumers tend to prefer Monthong over Ri6, despite the higher price, making it more difficult for Ri6 to compete.

Beyond market factors, risks also arise from the mixing of products from different growing areas, leading to inconsistent testing results. In the context of China tightening standards, even a few non-compliant shipments could result in export suspension for businesses.

Opportunities in new markets

Looking ahead, Mr. Nguyen noted that many Vietnamese fruits such as durian, mango, dragon fruit, and passion fruit have been accepted in demanding markets, indicating that domestic products are increasingly meeting standards for quality, food safety, and traceability.

In this context, the approval of pomelo exports to Australia, along with the signing of protocols for exporting lemons and pomelos to China, is expected to provide additional momentum for fruit and vegetable export growth in 2026 in a more stable and sustainable manner, rather than relying on sudden spikes.

For Australia—a market with stringent phytosanitary and food safety requirements—successful market entry not only enhances the export value of pomelo but also reinforces the quality and brand of Vietnamese fruit. Although initial volumes may be modest, value per unit is expected to be higher.

Meanwhile, China continues to play a decisive role in terms of scale and growth rate. With the signing of protocols, lemon and pomelo exports will gradually shift to official channels, reducing risks, improving stability, and enabling faster expansion of export volumes.

With over 130,000 hectares of pomelo cultivation and output exceeding 1 million tons, the export potential of this product remains substantial and could become one of the key pillars driving growth in the fruit and vegetable sector in the coming years.

Source: Bao dien tu Dan Viet