Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports recorded strong growth in early 2026, laying the groundwork for a USD 10 billion target. However, sustaining this momentum and increasing value will require coordinated improvements in product quality, packaging, and supply chain linkages.

Strong growth driven by key markets

According to the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, export turnover in January 2026 reached USD 644 million, up 73% year-on-year. In February, despite the impact of the Lunar New Year holiday, exports still reached USD 351 million, increasing nearly 12% compared with the same period in 2025.

Cumulatively, fruit and vegetable exports in the first two months of the year totaled USD 996 million, up 45% year-on-year, reflecting robust performance amid ongoing global trade uncertainties.

Exports to China continued to show strong recovery, with turnover reaching USD 538 million in the first two months, up 76.2%. According to Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, demand for tropical fruits in China remains substantial, and growth potential is still significant if quality control and traceability are well managed.

Vietnam’s rising position among leading suppliers to China, particularly with products such as durian, bananas, coconut, and longan, is considered a key foundation for further market expansion.

Global supply shifts create additional opportunities

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions along the Red Sea and Suez Canal have affected global supply chains, reducing fruit supply from Europe and the Americas to Asian markets.

According to logistics expert Nguyen Thanh Binh, Vietnam’s geographical proximity to Asian markets provides a clear advantage in delivery time and transportation costs amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions.

In addition, declining supply from South American countries such as Chile, Peru, and Ecuador is opening up further opportunities for Vietnamese fruit exports to gain market share.

However, logistics costs remain a major constraint. Industry representatives have called for solutions to reduce costs and diversify transport routes to mitigate risks.

Domestically, improvements in infrastructure, particularly the North–South expressway system, are gradually shortening transportation times and enhancing preservation efficiency for fresh agricultural products.

Packaging emerges as a critical value driver

Despite strong growth, the sector continues to face limitations in post-harvest technology, particularly in packaging.

According to Associate Professor Nguyen Duy Thinh, packaging not only protects products but also determines shelf life and quality. Inadequate packaging increases losses and reduces competitiveness.

Advanced technologies such as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), biological coatings, and EMAP are being applied to extend shelf life and reduce post-harvest losses.

Nguyen Quoc Toan, Director General of the Department of Processing and Market Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized that investment in preservation technology, packaging, and deep processing is essential to enhance added value and expand export markets.

At the same time, environmentally friendly packaging, recyclability, and integration with traceability systems are becoming mandatory requirements in many import markets.

Strategic shift toward sustainable growth

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the target of USD 10 billion in fruit and vegetable exports in 2026 is achievable if market opportunities and free trade agreements are effectively leveraged.

However, maintaining growth momentum will require a shift toward sustainable development, focusing on quality control, product diversification, and stronger supply chain integration.

Industry experts emphasize that businesses must prioritize quality standards, brand development, and compliance with increasingly stringent technical requirements in international markets.

With rising global demand, geographical advantages, and improving logistics infrastructure, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector is well positioned for further expansion. Nonetheless, addressing bottlenecks in quality, packaging, and technology will be critical to achieving the USD 10 billion target and elevating the global position of Vietnamese agricultural products.

Source: Chinhphu.vn