Demand for durian in China is increasing, creating opportunities for greater supply from Vietnam. Proximity, short transport times, and a distinctive flavour profile make Vietnamese durian competitive in terms of quality and growth potential.
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Beijing, Li Xiapeng of Hebei Kinghey Catering Services Company said Vietnam's agro-forestry exports to China reached US$1.3 billion in the first half of the year, up 46.8% year-on-year. He noted that to further strengthen trade, both countries should improve customs clearance at border gates, reduce processing times, and facilitate direct business links. Faster procedures, he said, would help agricultural, forestry, and fishery products maintain freshness during transit.
Li highlighted the importance of closer links between Chinese and Vietnamese enterprises. As one of China's top 500 companies and a leading player in the catering industry, Hebei Kinghey Catering Services Company is interested in expanding cooperation with Vietnamese partners to bring more high-quality Vietnamese products to Chinese consumers.
Durian is currently one of Vietnam's most in-demand agro-forestry products in China. Advantages include short delivery times that help preserve freshness, reduced logistics costs, and year-round harvesting. These factors have positioned Vietnamese durian as competitive against products from Thailand and Malaysia.
In recent years, Vietnamese durian has increased its presence in China due to consistent quality, stable supply, and competitive pricing. A representative of a durian business at Beijing's Xin Fa Di market said the fruit is currently very popular among consumers and expressed hope that it will continue to increase its market share.
Vietnam–China trade promotion activities have recently emphasized the durian trade, with agreements covering quality standards, food safety, and product traceability. These measures are seen as essential for Vietnam's durian industry to maintain and expand its position in the Chinese market.
With strong demand from China and inherent logistical advantages, Vietnamese durian is expected to continue performing well, contributing to Vietnam's agricultural export revenue.
Source: Vietnam+
