Early 2025 saw a steep decline in Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports, driven chiefly by shipments rejected by China and the EU for food safety and quarantine violations. In particular, durian exports plummeted as heavy metal residues led to stricter Chinese inspections, with some growing area codes and packing facilities suspended, impacting exports of dragon fruit and jackfruit, as reported by VOV.vn.
Addressing these setbacks, industry authorities emphasize the urgent need for end‑to‑end traceability, from cultivation to packaging. This includes transparent growing area tracking, strict pesticide residue control, and certified hygiene practices at packhouses.
Experts recommend a shift toward clean, sustainable production models using organic fertilizers and enabling biosafety-approved monitoring systems. Investing in deep‑processing facilities and modern cold‑chain logistics will help extend shelf life while boosting product value for global markets.
Coordination between national agencies and local authorities is also essential: periodic inspections of cultivation zones and packing facilities, along with education about importing countries' standards, can prevent inadvertent breaches.
Vietnam's competitors, such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Peru, are already advancing in brand-building and pesticide safety. For Vietnam to regain ground, quality control cannot remain optional as it must become a standard throughout the sector.
Source: Vov.vn
