Dragon fruit surpasses durian, leading in export turnover

In January, durian lost its export "crown" as its value decreased by 73%, to $31 million, while dragon fruit rose to the top with $58 million.

For two consecutive years, durian topped Vietnam's fruit export rankings. However, this situation changed earlier this year. Customs data showed a sharp decline in durian exports, especially to the Chinese market – which accounts for a large portion of this fruit's output.

Specifically, durian exports to China in January reached only $18 million, a decrease of over 83% compared to the same period last year. Total durian exports in the first month of the year were only about $31 million. With the sharpest decline among the 30 exported fruits, durian has ceded its top spot to dragon fruit ($58 million).

According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, dragon fruit exports are recovering strongly, with January's export value increasing by 35% compared to December 2024. This upward trend has pushed up dragon fruit prices on the market, helping this fruit regain its position. Currently, each kilogram of white-fleshed dragon fruit maintains a high price, ranging from 8,000 to 14,000 VND.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen said that durian has been heavily affected by new regulations from China and many other markets. China has tightened inspections of Yellow O – a potentially carcinogenic substance – causing many durian shipments to be held up, forcing businesses to resell them in the domestic market at lower prices.

The US also banned seven pesticide active ingredients and required growing area codes and packaging codes issued by the US Department of Agriculture . Europe increased pesticide testing rates on many types of fruit from 10% to 20%.

A dragon fruit garden is harvesting the first crop of spring in Ham Thuan Nam district, Binh Thuan province. Photo: Viet Quoc

With increasing barriers, durian exports are expected to face further difficulties in the first quarter. This has led to a sharp drop in prices at the beginning of the year. In the provinces of Dong Thap, Can Tho, Tien Giang , and Vinh Long, the price of Grade 1 Ri 6 durian is fluctuating between 55,000 and 84,000 VND per kilogram, a decrease of 15,000 to 31,000 VND compared to last week.

Last year, durian set a record with export revenue of $3.3 billion, surpassing even rice and making a significant contribution to the total export value of fruits and vegetables ($7.2 billion). This year, the agricultural sector expects fruit and vegetable exports to reach $8 billion. However, experts believe that if current difficulties are not resolved soon, this goal will become more challenging than ever.

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