Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports reached US$3.92 billion in the first seven months of 2025, up 0.9% year-on-year. The recovery has been led by durian, with exports to China accounting for more than 50% of the total value.
According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, with abundant durian output expected until November, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's export target of US$7.6 billion for 2025 is achievable and could approach US$8 billion.
Nguyen Thanh Binh, chairman of the association, stated that durian exports have returned to normal after earlier consignments were flagged in China for cadmium and Auramine O residues. "Since May, with the cooperation of localities, enterprises, and farmers, the exports have gradually recovered and regained growth momentum," he said.
To maintain access to existing markets and expand into new ones, Huynh Tan Dat, Director of the Plant Production and Protection Department, noted that a cadmium contamination map will be developed in growing areas. This is intended to support compliance with international standards and facilitate access for Vietnamese durian to markets including the E.U., U.S., Japan, and South Korea.
Other products, such as coconut, passion fruit, and mango, including processed goods, also posted growth. While exports to China fell 24.3% in the first half of the year, shipments to other destinations increased. Exports to the U.S. reached US$216 million in the first seven months, a 66% year-on-year increase, the fastest growth among Vietnam's top 15 markets.
The Ministry has indicated that to achieve the export target of US$7.6 billion, the sector must continue diversifying markets and take advantage of existing free trade agreements with Japan, South Korea, the E.U., and China. Beyond fresh produce, processed products, especially from coconut and mango, are being promoted to expand growth opportunities and reduce exposure to fluctuations in fresh fruit markets.
Source: VNExpress
