India permits the import of fresh Vietnamese durian, opening a market of 1.4 billion people and assisting export enterprises in diminishing reliance on traditional markets.

On July 30, the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) stated that India added Vietnam to the list of countries permitted to export fresh durian fruit into this market. The decision took effect from the middle of this month.

The Indian side does not apply special import conditions or demand additional quarantine declarations for Vietnamese durian.

According to the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, opening the 1.4 billion-people market is the result of technical exchange processes between the two countries. This assists Vietnamese agricultural export enterprises in diversifying output and diminishing reliance on a number of traditional markets.

However, the regulatory agency evaluated that this remains a new market. In the initial phase, products may be consumed heavily in major urban areas via high-end retail systems, restaurants, hotels, and e-commerce channels. Therefore, enterprises need to thoroughly study consumer tastes, product specifications, transport, and distribution systems to formulate appropriate access strategies.

Also according to the Department, India opening its market occurs against a backdrop where Vietnam's durian sector is seeking ways to diversify output following a period of exports encountering numerous difficulties.

Earlier this year, durian exports to China—the largest consumption market—fell sharply as this country tightened quality controls, increased inspections of chemical residues, and origin traceability. Numerous shipments to this market suffered prolonged clearance times, causing domestic purchasing prices to plummet.

Domestically, durian supply continues to rise thanks to cultivated areas entering harvest phases. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in the first half of this year, nationwide durian output reached 603,300 tons. This level represents a 12.7% increase compared to the same period in 2025, highest among the core fruit tree group.

Source: VnExpress