Fruit and vegetable exports in the first half of 2024 continued to flourish due to increased orders from major markets such as China, South Korea, and the US, bringing in approximately USD 3.5 billion in revenue.

In the first 15 days of June 2024 alone, exports reached USD 388 million. With this performance, exports for the month are estimated to be nearly USD 780 million, bringing the six-month total to approximately USD 3.5 billion, a record level.

In May, exports reached USD 770 million, up 27.5% from April and 17.9% from May 2023. Key fruit products such as durian, dragon fruit, bananas, and longan contributed significantly to export growth in the first half of the year, alongside processed products. Major markets saw increases of 10-50% compared to the same period in 2023.

Export activities benefited from rising demand in traditional markets like China and other potential markets such as South Korea, the US, Japan, and Thailand. The value of fruit and vegetable exports to these markets in the first half of 2024 showed positive growth.

Leading the way was the Chinese market, with exports estimated at around USD 2.2 billion, a 33% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Vietnam has officially exported over a dozen types of fruits to China, including watermelon, mangosteen, durian, fresh bananas, sweet potatoes, dragon fruit, rambutan, mango, lychee, longan, and jackfruit.

Vietnam and China are expected to sign new protocols on the export of frozen durian, passion fruit, and chili in 2024. The two countries have already agreed to a protocol for fresh coconuts, opening export opportunities for Vietnamese coconuts. According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), China's demand for coconut imports is substantial and growing steadily, with domestic production meeting only about 10% of consumption needs, the rest being imported. Thus, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports to China are expected to continue growing positively.

Exports to South Korea are estimated at USD 150 million, a 57.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023. For the US market, export value reached nearly USD 123.5 million in the first five months, a 32.4% increase, with an estimated six-month total of USD 150 million. As the world's second-largest importer of fruits and vegetables, the US is a potential market for exporters, including Vietnam. However, to enter the US market, there is a need to increase the added value of seasonal fruits by incorporating processed products such as dried fruits, fruit powders, and canned products for year-round consumption; applying new technologies to extend fruit shelf life.

Based on export trends in the first half of the year and current market analysis, Vinafruit anticipates significant growth potential in the coming months, driven by the peak harvest season for durian in key growing areas, increased orders from Asian customers, and opportunities arising from new protocols. Vinafruit forecasts: "Export revenue for fruits and vegetables this year could reach USD 7-7.5 billion. If frozen durian or fresh coconuts join the list of export items under current agreements with China, growth could be even better."

Despite positive growth in the first half of 2024, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable sector still faces challenges. The Ministry of Industry and Trade cautions that product quality is not consistently stable, with some shipments to China, the EU, Japan, and South Korea still being flagged for pesticide residues. The link between production and consumption is not sustainable, and the ability of some producers to meet foreign market requirements remains limited, with frequent violations of planting area codes, packaging codes, and other regulations.

At the end of May 2024, a meeting between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development discussed solutions to boost rice and fruit and vegetable exports in the latter part of the year. Nguyen Thanh Binh, President of Vinafruit, acknowledged that the quality of fruits and vegetables is not high, with issues in product uniformity and pesticide residues needing resolution. Additionally, price fluctuations in raw material areas lead to competitive purchasing and selling, a longstanding issue that has not been effectively addressed, especially concerning durian.

Vinafruit recommends that relevant authorities coordinate with local governments and associations to strengthen inspection and supervision, particularly for harvested products, and effectively manage traders to prevent competitive buying and selling. It also stresses the importance of proper and effective issuance of planting area codes.

Baodautu.vn