Vietnam has received a hundred-million-dollar boost from an emerging nut product that has surpassed durian in export value.

The Import–Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade reported that Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports in February continued to maintain impressive growth momentum, building on the strong performance recorded in 2025.

According to statistics from the Customs Department, in the first half of February alone, fruit and vegetable export turnover reached USD 230.88 million, up 53% compared to the same period in February 2025.

Cumulatively from the beginning of the year through February 15, total export turnover of the sector reached USD 875.33 million, representing a 67.2% increase year-on-year.

January data show that pistachios unexpectedly rose to become the product with the highest export value. Export turnover of this item reached USD 137.92 million, accounting for 21.4% of total export value and soaring 413.4% compared to January 2025.

Pistachios, scientifically known as Pistacia vera, originate from the Middle East and Central Asia and are now widely cultivated in the United States, Iran, Türkiye, and several Mediterranean countries. The nut grows on perennial woody trees and is harvested when the outer shell naturally splits open, forming its distinctive “smile” shape.

Durian continues to affirm its strategic role within the agricultural sector. The expansion of planting area codes and the successful signing of a protocol allowing frozen durian exports to China have been key growth drivers.

In January alone, total durian export turnover reached USD 117.22 million. Although this figure declined 44% compared to December 2025 due to seasonality, it still marked a sharp increase of 274.8% year-on-year.

In addition to these two key products, January exports also saw positive contributions from coconuts, with turnover of USD 53.9 million (up 32.9%), and jackfruit, at USD 33.6 million (up 27.3%). In contrast, dragon fruit was among the few items recording a decline of 17%, falling to USD 48.5 million.

According to the Import–Export Department, the positive results in January stemmed from multiple converging factors. The period leading up to the Lunar New Year typically sees heightened demand for fruit consumption, particularly in the Chinese market and among overseas Vietnamese communities. Improved purchasing power significantly supported export activities, especially for fresh fruit serving holiday consumption.

The year 2025 marked a milestone for Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector, with export turnover reaching USD 8.56 billion, up nearly 20% compared to 2024. Notably, processed fruit and vegetable exports exceeded USD 2 billion for the first time. Exports this year are forecast to reach a new record of USD 9.5–10 billion.

The positive developments from the outset of the year indicate that the fruit and vegetable sector is moving in the right direction in its strategy to diversify markets and enhance product quality. Balanced growth across major markets such as China, the United States, South Korea, and the EU not only reduces dependence on any single market but also opens up long-term growth potential.

Source: CafeF