According to data from the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), it is estimated that Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export turnover in the first two months of 2025 reached 724 million USD, down 11% compared to the same period in 2024.

Accordingly, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable products are mainly exported to the Chinese market, with the export value accounting for 46.5%. The next two largest fruit and vegetable export markets are the US and Thailand, with proportions of 8% and 5%, respectively.

Compared to the same period last year, the export value of fruit and vegetable products to the Chinese market decreased by 43%, while the US market increased by 38% and Thailand increased by 5%.

Among the 15 largest export markets, the export value of fruit and vegetable products increased the most in the UK market with an increase of 57%, and decreased the most in the Chinese market with a decrease of 43%.

Durian exports "run out of steam" in the first months of 2025

The reason for the decline in fruit and vegetable exports to the Chinese market is that since the beginning of this year, this country has tightened inspection of residues of certain chemicals in imported fruits from all countries, including durian, a staple product of Vietnam.

Accordingly, all durian shipments to be exported to China must have results of analysis of cadmium residues and yellow O, performed at laboratories recognized by this country.

Specifically, since the beginning of 2025, China (the main consumer market of Vietnamese durian) has applied the yellow O quarantine regulation, in addition to the previous cadmium inspection certificate.

In light of the above situation, Vietnamese management agencies have quickly worked with Chinese authorities to resume durian export activities.

Accordingly, to export durian to China, shipments must have a certificate of no O-yellow, along with a certificate of cadmium at the permitted level. Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has announced a list of 9 testing laboratories recognized by Vietnam and China as qualified to issue certificates.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, commented that the State needs to play a role in building a legal corridor to control quality from the root, for example, all durian orchards must have a certificate of no O-yellow, no cadmium before selling.

“For example, with durian, currently, when businesses come to buy at the garden, the gardeners will require the business to cut the goods, pay, and go outside the garden before taking samples for testing. This is safe for the gardeners but causes difficulties for businesses,” Mr. Nguyen emphasized.

Source: Kinh Te Nong Thon Newspaper