September alone saw exports hitting nearly US$1.29 billion, the highest monthly figure ever recorded. This represented a surge of 36% compared to August and 41% compared to the same month last year. With this strong growth momentum, the sector is on track to approach, or even surpass, US$8 billion by the end of the year.

To sustain growth, the fruit and vegetable industry is urged to strengthen its presence in major markets, particularly those have signed free trade agreements with Vietnam such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, the European Union, and China. Prioritising these destinations is expected to minimise risks and ensure long-term export value.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is working to address obstacles in durian exports to China, while closely monitoring customs clearance and cross-border trade at northern border gates, especially during the peak harvest season and the Lunar New Year.

The ministry also plans to step up trade promotion for products already enjoying official export status and market advantages, including fresh coconuts, dragon fruit, jackfruit, bananas, watermelons, mangoes, longans, mangosteens, lychees, rambutans, passion fruit, and durians.

In the longer term, Vietnamese exporters are encouraged to diversify processed fruit and vegetable products. Developing convenient, healthy, and value-added items not only meets changing consumer demands but also helps reduce transport costs, minimise spoilage, extend shelf life, and raise the competitiveness of Vietnamese products in global markets.

Vietnam's durian dominates fruit exports, outpacing dragon fruit

Vietnam's fruit exports have experienced a remarkable surge, with durian overtaking dragon fruit as the top foreign currency earner in 2023, heard a conference held by the Vietnam Fruit & Vegetables Association (Vinafruit) in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang on September 24.