Bac Giang Province, a major lychee growing region in northern Vietnam, has earned revenues of VND6.9 trillion (US$297.5 million) from this particular fruit in the 2020 season. That means a 9.5% rise as compared to the previous year.
The province produced a total of 164,700 tonnes (up 15,000 tonnes compared with 2019) and for the first time exported 200 tonnes of fresh lychee to Japan.
According to the provincial trade department, domestic sales have grown to make up 52.5% of the market, adding that the average price for a kilogram was VND31,200 (US$1.35).
Bac Giang officials said they were aware that the coronavirus pandemic could force the closure of all border gates, thus the province had focused on the local market by selling lychees at domestic markets, supermarkets and industrial parks.
This year marked the first time Bac Giang Province proactively worked with the two ministries of trade and agriculture to organise a virtual conference to promote the fruit across Vietnam’s provinces and cities.
According to en.nhandan.org.vn, exports to China were also facilitated by the border checkpoints in Lang Son and Lao Cai Provinces, which gave priority to lychees.