Durian prices in the Mekong Delta are being pushed to relatively high levels by purchasing depots amid limited supply, while demand in the Chinese market remains strong.

According to KTSG Online, as of 8:00 a.m. on February 24, durian warehouses in the Mekong Delta were quoting purchase prices for Thai variety Grade A durian at VND 160,000–165,000 per kilogram (fruit with at least 2.7 segments, weighing 1.8 to 5.2 kilograms per fruit), up VND 5,000–10,000 per kilogram compared to February 23.

Similarly, Grade B durian increased by VND 5,000–10,000 per kilogram to VND 140,000–145,000 per kilogram (fruit with at least 2.5 segments, weighing 1.6 to 5.5 kilograms per fruit). Prices for Grade C and D are determined through negotiation between depots and traders.

For Ri6 durian, Grade A was quoted at VND 95,000–100,000 per kilogram at 8:00 a.m. on February 24 (fruit with at least 2.7 segments, weighing 1.8–5.2 kilograms per fruit), up VND 5,000–8,000 per kilogram from the previous day.

Ri6 Grade B rose by VND 5,000 per kilogram to VND 80,000–85,000 per kilogram (fruit with at least 2.5 segments, weighing 1.6–5.5 kilograms per fruit), while Grades C and D remain subject to negotiation between depots and traders.

Currently, durian purchasing depots in the Mekong Delta are competing for supply by offering favorable conditions to traders, such as flexible quality acceptance, unlimited purchase volumes, and immediate payment upon delivery.

Although prices have been pushed to very high levels, they remain below the peak of VND 200,000–205,000 per kilogram for Thai Grade A durian recorded at the end of 2024.

Explaining the surge, Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), told KTSG Online that this is currently the off-season, meaning only the Mekong Delta has harvests, resulting in limited supply. “Neither the Southeast nor the Central Highlands currently has output, while competing countries such as Thailand will not begin harvesting until late March 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, in China, following the Lunar New Year holiday, numerous festivals have boosted demand for fruit as gifts, driving consumption higher.

Another key factor, according to Mr. Nguyen, is that enterprises have gained experience in testing and screening for substances of concern to the Chinese market, such as cadmium and Auramine O, facilitating smoother customs clearance.

However, the Vinafruit General Secretary forecast that durian prices are likely to stabilize from mid to late March 2026, when additional supply from Vietnam’s Southeast and Central Highlands regions, as well as from Thailand, enters the market. “By late March 2026, Thailand will begin harvesting, so the current high price levels are unlikely to be sustained beyond mid-March,” he predicted, advising farmers to promptly release their products while prices remain favorable.

Source: Kinh te Sai Gon Online