Tensions in the Middle East have caused oil prices to surge, leading to skyrocketing logistics costs and slowing down fruit and vegetable exports to distant markets, particularly the United States.

Customs data shows that at the end of the first quarter of 2026, the growth rate of Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports to the US decelerated compared to previous months and other markets. With a turnover of 130 million USD, a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2025, the US maintains its position as the second-largest importer of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables after China. However, compared to previous months and other key markets such as the Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia, or Australia, the growth rate of the US market is slowing down.

According to experts and businesses, fruit and vegetable exports to the US surged in the first two months as partners increased orders to prepare for the Lunar New Year for the Vietnamese and Asian communities. Additionally, intense heatwaves in many areas drove strong consumption of coconut products. However, since March, Middle East tensions have pushed logistics costs significantly higher in line with fuel prices, causing the growth rate to stall. In 2025, the US was a market with very strong growth, but if Middle East tensions persist, they could impact Vietnamese fruit and vegetable export activities throughout 2026.

China remains the largest consumption market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables; after the first three months of this year, turnover reached 779 million USD, up 49% compared to the same period in 2025. Other markets saw robust growth, such as the Netherlands (up 52%), Germany (80%), Malaysia (82%), and Australia (29%).

Preliminary data through the end of April shows fruit and vegetable export turnover reaching nearly 2.1 billion USD, a 22% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Conversely, Vietnam also spent over 1 billion USD on fruit and vegetable imports, up 34% year-on-year.

Fruit and vegetable export turnover to the US market (Source: Department of Customs

Source: Bao Thanh Nien