In 2024, a Vietnamese enterprise exported thousands of containers of fresh whole durians to China. However, in the past six months, no shipments have crossed the border due to a long-standing issue previously warned about. The general director of a major fruit export company stated, "For nearly half a year now, our company hasn't been able to export a single durian container to China."
The halt in exports began in early 2025 when Chinese customs implemented 100% inspections for auramine O and heavy metals. The company's clients, major Chinese supermarket chains, enforce strict food safety standards, leading to a suspension of exports to standardize processes and ensure compliance.
Nguyen Van Manh, a durian trader in Can Tho, noted the market shift. Last year, he sourced durians for export to China, but this year, with exports blocked, he focuses on domestic sales. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment estimated that Vietnam exported 35,000 tons of durian worth USD 120-130 million in the first four months of 2025, compared to 79,300 tons worth nearly USD 370 million during the same period in 2024.
The decline in exports has affected domestic prices as Vietnam enters its main durian harvest season, with output expected in millions of tons. The absence of a "filtering" system like Thailand's exacerbates the situation. According to Dang Phuc Nguyen of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, China's detection of auramine O in Thai durians led to comprehensive screenings of imports. Thailand collaborated with Chinese authorities to implement a control system, resulting in reduced inspection frequency at the border.
In Vietnam, 12 labs can test for cadmium and 9 for auramine O, with all auramine O labs certified by Chinese authorities. However, high violation rates persist due to random sampling from diverse farms. Nguyen emphasized the need for more thorough initial filtering steps, suggesting the establishment of mini labs for on-site quality checks at orchards.
Amid the peak durian season, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy convened an emergency meeting to discuss solutions. The ministry plans to coordinate with Chinese customs to address technical barriers and expedite the issuance of growing area codes, packaging facility approvals, and lab certifications. Without reduced inspection frequency, durian exports face potential congestion at border gates.
Source: Vietnam.net
