Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, cited the statistics from customs agencies as predicting that the country’s fruit and vegetable export turnover would reach nearly $1.3 billion in September 2025. This figure is up 36 percent compared to August ($951 million) and 41 percent higher than the same period in 2024 ($917 million).

This is a record-high monthly figure for Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable industry.

In the first nine months of 2025, fruit and vegetable exports are estimated to exceed $6.11 billion, an 8.3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Nguyen predicted that if the export momentum continues, the industry could close 2025 with the turnover of $8 billion, surpassing the initial target.

Notably, after the early 2025 stumble due to returned shipments for violating China’s import conditions, businesses quickly adjusted processes, leading to a strong recovery in durian exports in the second half of the year, contributing significantly to the overall fruit and vegetable export turnover.

Earlier this year, Chinese customs tightened inspections for Auramine O and heavy metal cadmium in imported durians. As a result, some Vietnamese durian shipments were returned for failing to meet quarantine and food safety requirements. Export turnover plummeted, and durian prices dropped sharply.

Statistics show that in the first three months of 2025, durian export turnover was below $100 million per month. April saw a slight increase to over $100 million, and May reached $204 million.

Since June, durian exports began to recover. Many businesses resumed export orders with Chinese partners after pausing to adjust processes to meet China’s requirements for cadmium and orpiment inspections.

By the end of August, durian exports had brought $1.7 billion, with China remaining the loyal market, accounting for nearly 90 percent of Vietnam’s durian export turnover.

“Durian exports are estimated to reach $800-900 million this September, the highest in history,” Nguyen forecasted. He noted that durian exports to China have become much smoother compared to earlier months. 

Additionally, September is the peak harvest season for durians in the Central Highlands. Durian exports surged to $650 million in September last year.

MAE confirmed that durian exports have improved significantly, especially frozen products. Domestic prices have shown a slight upward trend. In the Central Highlands, Southeast, and Southwest regions, high-quality RI6 durians are purchased at VND52,000-65,000 per kg, while high-quality Thai durians fetch VND72,000-90,000 per kg.

In early August, MAE issued Decision 3015 on the “Food Safety Control Process for Fresh Durian Exports.” This marks the first time a Vietnamese fruit has a dedicated control mechanism, from cultivation to export.

Tam An