Most notably, September alone witnessed fruit and vegetable exports reach an unprecedented turnover of nearly US$1 billion, up 9.1% over the previous month and up 38% on-year.

These positive results can be attributed to the Central Highlands’ durian harvest season with durian export value exceeding US$500 million for the first time.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT), said the Central Highlands region's durian harvest season has reached its peak harvest period, which will last until October.

Durian exports this year are anticipated to exceed US$3 billion and will significantly contribute to the Vietnamese fruit and vegetable industry’s export turnover, which may exceed US$7 billion for the first time ever this year.

China remains the major consumer of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables. By the end of August, the northern neighbour had imported up to US$3 billion, accounting for 65%.

Statistics indicated that the country's fruit and vegetable imports during the reviewed period reached US$1.6 billion, up 13% on-year.

VOV