Durian prices rose back following a series of plunging days, alongside agricultural product customs clearance priority policies, helping July fruit and vegetable exports estimatedly exceed the billion USD milestone within a single month for the first time.

Market surveys demonstrate that during the past week, durian prices rose by around 5,000-7,000 VND per kg, equivalent to around 8% compared to the previous week, thanks to the Chinese market increasing purchasing back.

Currently, Grade A Monthong durian (2.7 locni) is purchased at depots at around 80,000 VND per kg in the Western region, 73,000 VND in the Eastern region, and 75,000 VND in the Central Highlands; Grade B goods (2.5 locni) fluctuate between 35,000-45,000 VND per kg. Meanwhile, Grade A Ri6 carries prices of 55,000-58,000 VND per kg, and Grade B is around 25,000-30,000 VND.

Mr. Trung, a trader purchasing durian in Dak Lak, stated that the volume of export orders rose back within around the past week, so depots also stepped up gathering goods. "Prices improved compared to previously, as soon as beautiful goods arrive, someone takes them immediately," he said.

At a durian depot on Hung Dao Vuong Street, Vinh Long, the depot owner stated that the purchasing atmosphere is more vibrant than previously. To possess raw material sources satisfying export standards, multiple traders are willing to pay an additional around 1,000 VND per kg to individuals introducing orchards possessing durians that achieve export quality.

Cumulatively for the first 7 months, fruit and vegetable exports are estimated to reach 4.76 billion USD, up 23% compared to the same period of 2025. Conversely, imports reached around 1,84 billion USD, up 27%, bringing the entire sector an export surplus of nearly 2.92 billion USD.

China continues to serve as the largest export market of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, occupying more than half of the total turnover. The US, South Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, along with multiple other markets also maintain growth, contributing to diversifying outlets for Vietnamese agricultural products.

According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, durian continues to serve as the largest driver of the sector when contributing more than 50% of the total fruit and vegetable export turnover.

"During previous months, Vietnamese durian bore fierce competition from Thailand. Now this country has run out of season, so Vietnamese durian is virtually 'alone in one market,' making outlets significantly more favorable," Mr. Nguyen said.

According to him, alongside fresh fruit export, frozen durian is contributing day by day larger parts to turnover growth. Durian prices decreasing sharply during the past time due to abundant supply has helped processing enterprises possess additional raw materials carrying low costs to step up production and export.

"Raw material costs being low, enterprises possess even more conditions to increase exported frozen durian output volumes," Mr. Nguyen stated. Currently, this product is not merely exported to China but also expanded to the US, South Korea, Japan, and multiple other markets, contributing significantly to the general growth level of the entire sector.

Export activities are also supported by policies. Recently, the Customs Department requested regional customs branches to prioritize clearing agricultural products right within the day, encompassing even outside administrative hours, days off, and holidays; while concurrently arranging officers to resolve procedures and supervise goods timely. Stepping up the granting of growing zone codes and perfecting export procedures also contribute to shortening delivery times, creating facilitation for enterprises.

According to Mr. Nguyen, the Central Highlands is about to enter the main durian harvest season, stretching to around September-October. This serves as the phase routinely recording the highest export turnover in the year. With the recovery of the Chinese market, advantages from fresh and frozen durian exports along with customs clearance supporting policies, the fruit and vegetable sector is expected to continue breaking through in the final months of the year.

Source: VnExpress