Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports to Europe have observed notable growth in early 2024. Data from Vietnam Customs indicates total exports reached $132 million during January to April, marking an annual increase of 33%. Key exports include mangoes, generating $27.6 million with a 54% rise, and pistachios at $17 million, up 90%. Pineapple exports tripled to $11 million, and coconuts saw a 41% increase, hitting $10 million.
The Netherlands remains the leading importer from Vietnam, accounting for $37 million, or 28% of total EU imports. Other markets such as Poland, Spain, Germany, and France reported notable growth rates, with Poland's imports more than doubling and Spain's increasing by 83%.
Overall, Vietnam's agricultural exports to the EU reached $4.21 billion in 2024, with the fruit and vegetable sector demonstrating double-digit growth. This surge is attributed to a rebound in consumer demand. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported total fruit and vegetable exports of $7.1 billion, marking a 27% increase and a new record. Durian led the fruit export segment with an estimated $3.3 billion, followed by dragon fruit and mangoes.
The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association's general secretary, Dang Phuc Nguyen, identified four core reasons behind this growth in the EU market. The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has reduced tariffs, giving Vietnamese products a competitive price edge. Additionally, post-pandemic demand for fresh produce has revived, amid a moderate decline in EU domestic production.
Quality control has become a focus for Vietnamese producers, meeting the EU's stringent food safety regulations. Furthermore, Vietnam offers a diverse range of exports such as dragon fruit, mangoes, and coconuts, with the Netherlands acting as a central gateway.
The convergence of tariff benefits under the EVFTA, revitalized consumer demand, and enhanced quality assurance processes are outlined as key factors propelling the increase in fruit and vegetable exports to the EU.
Source: The Investor