According to statistics from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, in the first six months of this year, durian exports reached USD 1.5 billion. Durian continues to lead in export value among the key fruit groups of Vietnam. Currently, durian exports are nearly four times that of dragon fruit, which previously held the top position in this export group.

As reported at the 2024 Durian Industry Implementation Conference organized by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Dak Lak province on July 2, 2024, fresh durian from Dak Lak specifically, and Vietnam in general, has been exported to 22 countries and territories, while frozen durian has been exported to 23 countries and territories. Vietnam's durian is primarily consumed in markets such as China, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States.

In 2023, Vietnam exported over 603 thousand tons of durian, with over 595 thousand tons going to China (98.6% share), resulting in a total export value of USD 2.24 billion. By the end of Q1/2024, durian exports reached nearly 57,000 tons worth USD 253 million, marking increases of 42% in volume and 63.7% in value compared to the same period in 2023.

At the international border gate No. 2 Kim Thanh (Lao Cai), the average daily export of fresh fruits is approximately 100 trucks, with over 90 trucks carrying durian.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, highlighted Vietnam's advantage with abundant durian production, year-round harvesting, and periods of minimal direct competition with Thai durian. Fast transportation times and reasonable prices, especially for quality-controlled frozen durian, further enhance Vietnam's competitiveness.

The peak durian harvesting period spans from April to September each year, coinciding with strong export growth.

However, Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen noted recent concerns about batches contaminated with prohibited substances, which could affect Vietnam's reputation. Therefore, enterprises must enhance inspections for prohibited substances at both farms and packaging facilities to ensure no contaminated batches are exported.

The Plant Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) advises localities and businesses to closely monitor planting area codes and packaging facilities, avoiding purchases from unauthorized sources that could impact legitimate export activities of genuine enterprises.

Dak Lak province boasts the largest durian cultivation area in the country, positioning durian as a leading fruit crop for the province. Currently, Dak Lak has issued 266 planting area codes covering a total area of 7,292 hectares. Mr. Nguyen Van Ha, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Dak Lak province, forecasts that in 2024, Vietnam's durian cultivation area will reach approximately 151,000 hectares, yielding about 1.5 million tons, with Dak Lak contributing approximately 34,000 to 35,000 hectares and over 300,000 tons in production.

To meet export market demands, Dak Lak province will focus on implementing measures such as enhancing management capacity, organizing production through cooperatives, effectively managing planting area codes, and ensuring inter-agency coordination to prevent market manipulation and trade fraud. Promotional activities for durian products will also be intensified, alongside legal inspections to ensure sustainable and favorable conditions for durian production and export business operations.

Source: Vietnamexport