In recent years, Vietnam has witnessed significant growth in the export of its key fruits, aided by the issuance of official export permits or 'access passes' that have opened doors to the Chinese market. This expansion has led to record-breaking revenues from this major trade partner.

According to preliminary data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, by the end of September, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports reached $5.64 billion, marking a strong 33.9% increase compared to the same period last year. This achievement positions fruits and vegetables as the third-largest agricultural export group, following forestry and seafood products.

The impressive results have been driven primarily by the formal export of durian to China. Other key fruits and vegetables such as bananas, jackfruits, mangoes, watermelons, limes, passion fruits, and various nuts have also contributed significantly.

Explosive growth in exports to China  

The export of fruits and vegetables to China has surged remarkably. In just the first nine months of this year, Vietnam exported nearly $3.8 billion worth of produce to this vast market, reflecting a robust 37.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Notably, the export value to China has already surpassed the $3.6 billion achieved throughout 2023, setting a new record. The share of exports to China within Vietnam’s total fruit and vegetable exports has risen from 65.3% (in the first nine months of 2023) to 67.2% this year. Currently, Vietnam ranks as the third-largest supplier of fruits and vegetables to China.

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Tran Thanh Nam, Vietnam now has 12 types of fruits authorized for official export to China. The total export value to this country is expected to reach $4.5 billion in 2024.

Many fruit and vegetable products have gained a solid foothold in the Chinese market after receiving official export status. For instance, just two years after durian was officially allowed for export, Vietnam's market share of this "king of fruits" surged to 35-36%. At times, Vietnam even surpassed Thailand to become China’s largest durian supplier.

This year, durian exports reached an estimated $2.5 billion in just nine months, shattering all previous records. China accounts for about 95% of Vietnam's durian export value.

Similarly, in the first eight months of 2024, China’s banana imports reached approximately 1.13 million tons, valued at $592.1 million, showing a decline of 7.9% in volume and 23% in value compared to the same period last year. However, Vietnam has emerged as the top banana supplier to China, replacing the Philippines. Vietnam exported nearly 460,000 tons of bananas, earning nearly $190 million. Compared to last year, banana exports to China increased by 19.6% in volume and 0.8% in value.

The market share of Vietnamese bananas within China’s total banana imports also rose from 31.33% in the first eight months of 2023 to 40.71% this year.

Promising export potential  

According to the Department of Import-Export (Ministry of Industry and Trade), Chinese consumers are increasingly fond of Vietnamese durians, bananas, lychees, longans, jackfruits, mangoes, and watermelons, owing to their quality and distinctive tropical flavors. These fruits have all received official export clearance for the Chinese market.

Regarding export potential, Nguyen Quang Hieu, Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), noted that China imports $7 billion worth of fresh durians annually, a figure projected to exceed $10 billion in the coming years. Additionally, the demand for frozen durians, currently standing at $1 billion, is expected to rise rapidly.

Similarly, there is significant export potential for other fruits and vegetables. The export value of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables to China is forecasted to reach $10 billion in the coming years.

To achieve this target, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector must consistently deliver products that meet Chinese consumers’ expectations. The core values of quality, distinctive flavor, and food safety are crucial areas for development and maintenance.

As Chinese consumers recognize these values, they are likely to become loyal customers, laying a strong foundation for the sustainable growth of Vietnam's fruit industry.

Tam An