The country’s stronger vegetable and fruit imports from China were attributed to lower prices, improved quality and geographical proximity.

Many Chinese fruits such as pomegranates, grapes, pears, jujubes and apples, and vegetables, including carrots, onions and garlic, are dominating the local market, mainly in HCMC, the local media reported.

The United States came second among Vietnam’s largest vegetable and fruit exporters in January-August, with a value of US$213.5 million, up 5.8% year-on-year, followed by Australia with over US$104 million.

During the period, Vietnam spent US$89 million importing vegetables and fruits from New Zealand, according to data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

From January to August, the country imported vegetables and fruits worth some US$1.3 billion, a year-on-year increase of 33%.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s outbound sales of vegetables and fruits amounted to US$2.2 billion in the January-August period, down 13% year-on-year, dragged by a slump in exports to China.

The country exported vegetables and fruits worth a mere US$967 million to China during the eight-month period, down 32% year-on-year, due to the latter’s stringent anti-Covid measures.

However, the period saw Vietnam’s vegetable and fruit exports to the United States and Southeast Asia expand 19% and 30.7% year-on-year at US$180 million and US$220.3 million, respectively.

Source: Saigon Times