Vietnam's durian exports reached US$1.2 billion in the first seven months of 2025, according to customs data. This was 25% lower year-on-year but supported by a strong recovery in July. Mainland China remained the main buyer, accounting for 87% of shipments. Other markets with double-digit growth included Hong Kong, Taiwan, the U.S., and Japan.
The first half of the year was marked by clearance delays at the border as Chinese buyers increased quality control. Exporters said the situation has improved, with some companies that were unable to export earlier in the year now shipping their first consignments. Stronger efforts have been made to address cadmium residues, which had previously caused rejections in China and long testing queues. Exporters now often require farmers and traders to test durian before selling, improving clearance rates.
In July, exports rose 35% compared to June, reaching US$379 million. Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, forecast that shipments could reach US$550 million a month in September and October during peak harvest. He noted, however, that prices are unlikely to return to the peak levels of 2023–2024 due to greater supply from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos, all competing for the Chinese market.
The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association expects total agricultural exports to exceed US$7 billion in 2025, close to the record US$7.2 billion achieved in 2024.
Source: VNExpress
