Although longan is a widely available and low-cost fruit in Vietnam, it has transformed into a premium product in international markets, with prices reaching several hundred thousand dong per kilogram.

In domestic markets, during harvest season, longan is commonly sold at VND 20,000–30,000/kg, and at times even VND 10,000–15,000/kg for high-quality fruit with thick pulp and rich sweetness. However, when sold in European supermarkets, prices rise significantly, ranging from VND 430,000 to 490,000/kg in Germany and the Netherlands, 15–20 times higher than domestic levels.

Beyond Europe, Vietnamese longan is also marketed in Singapore at around VND 220,000/kg and in Japan at approximately VND 320,000/kg, often facing supply shortages. In some markets such as Belarus, prices can reach up to VND 600,000/kg, turning a familiar fruit into a high-end specialty for many consumers.

This substantial price gap is not solely due to transportation costs but reflects a rigorous quality control process. To qualify for export, longan must meet strict standards from cultivation and harvesting to preservation. Only fruits that meet requirements in size, appearance and pest-free conditions are selected.

For high-standard markets such as Japan and Australia, compliance requirements are even more stringent. Exported longan must have registered growing area codes, full traceability, and undergo phytosanitary inspection along with treatments such as irradiation at strictly controlled doses to ensure biosecurity.

According to the Plant Protection Department, Vietnam spent six years negotiating and completing technical protocols to export fresh longan to Japan. However, to date, only about 2,000 hectares nationwide meet the requirements for this market, highlighting the difficulty of obtaining export eligibility.

Logistics costs also contribute significantly to the final price. As a highly perishable fruit, longan requires cold chain transportation, standardized packaging and fast delivery to maintain quality upon arrival.

Nevertheless, these stringent requirements also create opportunities to enhance the value of Vietnamese longan. In provinces such as Hung Yen, cooperatives have shifted to VietGAP and even organic production standards, helping export prices increase by approximately 50% compared to traditional farming methods.

Beyond fresh fruit, processed longan products are also recording strong growth. According to the General Department of Customs, in the third quarter of 2025, exports of longan and related products reached USD 40.6 million, with dried longan increasing by over 1,200% to nearly USD 23 million.

Entering early 2026, this trend has continued as demand for processed longan remains high in many markets, particularly in Asia and developed economies, indicating significant room for expansion.

From a common fruit, longan is gradually establishing its position in international markets. However, to sustain growth momentum, the agricultural sector must continue investing in production standardization, expanding certified growing areas and strengthening processing capabilities, enabling this familiar fruit to fully transform into a high-value product.

Source: CafeF