According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, in the first month of this year, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports unexpectedly decreased by 11.3% compared to the previous month, due to many countries tightening quality inspections of fruits imported from Vietnam.
Association Vegetables and fruits According to Vinafruit, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports reached US$416 million in January, a decrease of 11.3% compared to the previous month (US$529 million in December 2024) and a decrease of 5.2% compared to the same period in 2024 (US$490 million in January 2024).
Conversely, fruit and vegetable imports in January reached US$285 million, a decrease of 6.6% compared to the previous month (US$304 million in December 2024) and an increase of 31% compared to the same period last year (US$216 million in January 2024). This is due to businesses increasing imports to prepare for the Lunar New Year market.
Vinafruit stated that exports at the beginning of the year faced many difficulties, especially for durian - its main product. The main reason is believed to be due to China's increased quality inspections. gold O The presence of cadmium in durian has led to a backlog of this billion-dollar fruit in warehouses and at border crossings, with many shipments having to be sold at rescue prices in the domestic market. Many export businesses have reported temporarily suspending durian sales to China in the first month of the year.
According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of Vinafruit, in response to this situation, Vietnamese authorities quickly worked with Chinese officials to resume durian exports.
Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced a list of 9 testing laboratories recognized by Vietnam and China as meeting the standards for certification. This provides a basis for Vietnamese durian to continue penetrating this "billion-person" market.
Not only China, but many other markets have also raised import standards this year. The US banned seven pesticide residue compounds and requires growing area codes and packaging codes issued by the US Department of Agriculture . Europe Increase the rate of pesticide testing. On some types of fruit, the percentage increased from 10% to 20%.
Mr. Nguyen believes that if the inspection barriers are not removed soon, the export target of 8 billion USD this year will be difficult to achieve.
To maintain growth and achieve export targets in 2025, Mr. Nguyen suggested that producers and businesses need to comply with new inspection regulations and strengthen procurement links to improve product quality. In addition, processed goods need investment in design and compliance with importing countries' standards.
Forecasts indicate that export turnover will continue to decline in February due to lower consumer demand after the Lunar New Year, leading to slower consumption of fruits and vegetables and lower prices. The projected export value of fruits and vegetables in February is approximately 300-350 million USD.
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