With advanced farming techniques and strict export compliance, Vietnam is positioning itself as a top durian exporter.

Vietnam showcased durian and related products at the first-ever ASEAN–China Durian Festival held in Beijing on August 9 by the ASEAN–China Centre (ACC) and the embassies of ASEAN member states.

For the first time, Vietnam establishes a dedicated food safety protocol for durian, covering every stage from farm to export.

Durian exports have rebounded vibrantly, with an estimated revenue of over $1 billion in the first 7 months. The product has also received positive feedback from Chinese customs authorities, who committed to facilitating smoother exports.

Durian exports are making a strong recovery, with total revenue projected to reach US$2.4 billion in 2025.

Durian, the ‘King of Fruit’, which has been very expensive in Vietnam in recent years, has become cheaper than ever. Hanoians can now enjoy durian at surprisingly low prices.

The significant increase in frozen durian exports is attributed in part to favourable market-opening policies, particularly the export protocol signed with China in August 2024.

Despite high output, Vietnam’s durian exports dip while imports from Thailand and Malaysia surge.

Excessive use of fertilizers in durian cultivation has been identified as a major cause of cadmium residue in exported fruit, according to Nguyen Quang Hieu, Deputy Director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection.

Durian shipments rejected by China prompt calls to probe Korean fertilizer cadmium levels.

Farmers urge scientists to trace contamination sources before the harvest.

Vietnam’s durian industry - recently hailed as a billion-dollar fruit export - has achieved remarkable growth, becoming a major agricultural sector. However, its rapid expansion now poses several risks.

Following China's detection of cadmium and auramine O in Vietnamese durians, Dak Lak seeks urgent government support for localized testing and oversight.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed Prime Ministerial Directive No. 71, dated May 23, outlining urgent tasks to promote sustainable durian production and export.

In a significant development for Vietnam’s durian industry, China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) has officially approved 829 new growing area codes and 131 packing facility codes, expanding Vietnam’s access to this lucrative market.

As China tightens rules over banned substances in fruit imports, Vietnam’s durian industry is on high alert.

China’s strict food safety measures lead to a sharp drop in Vietnam’s durian exports.

The Chinese durian market has value expected to reach $10 billion for Vietnam However, durian exports to the market face quality warnings and new competition from Laos and Indonesia.

With streamlined logistics and lower shipping costs, Indonesia could threaten Vietnam’s durian market share in China.

Durian was Vietnam’s biggest agricultural export success last year, contributing nearly $3.2 billion in revenue. However, a series of regulatory hurdles in China and the EU is putting pressure on farmers and exporters alike.