China tightens, durian prices drop

(Dan Tri) - Durian in the Western region is in the main harvest season, but the selling price is not as expected because China has tightened the control process since the beginning of the year.

Citing data from the Customs Department, the Import-Export Department ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ) said that in the first 4 months of the year, Vietnam's total fruit and vegetable export turnover reached 1.69 billion USD, down 10.5% over the same period in 2024.

Of which, the export turnover of fruits and vegetables to China only reached 777 million USD, down 33% compared to the same period last year. The main reason is that since the beginning of the year, China has increased the inspection rate.

Regarding durian, according to estimated figures, in the past 4 months, exports to the Chinese market only reached about 120-130 million USD, with an estimated export volume of 35,000 tons (reaching about 20% of the set plan).

This has caused durian prices to drop sharply since the beginning of the year. According to a survey, the purchase price of Ri6 durian at the garden is currently at 30,000-60,000 VND/kg, depending on the type. Meanwhile, Thai durian also fluctuates at 45,000-95,000 VND/kg, depending on the type.

Entering May, the provinces in the Southwest region begin the main durian harvest season, especially the Ri6 durian variety - a popular and widely grown variety in this region. The price of this commodity has dropped to a low level, causing many farmers and traders to worry.

Ms. Le Hong, a durian trader in Tien Giang , said that durian prices are low, while output is facing many difficulties. According to her, for the past few months, her warehouse has only imported a small amount because she is worried about not meeting new quarantine standards when exporting.

"Many growing areas have not had time to update new regulations from the Chinese market. This has caused the purchase price of durian to continuously decrease, and traders do not dare to collect as much as before," she said.

Dak Lak strengthens propaganda and recommends that people and businesses comply with production processes to avoid cadmium residue and yellow O on durian (Photo: Uy Nguyen).

Similarly, Ms. Tinh, a trader in Dak Lak who specializes in purchasing durian from gardens, also said that this year's durian price has decreased significantly compared to the same period last year, mainly due to difficulties in the export market, especially China.

Currently, the purchase price at the garden fluctuates between 60,000-70,000 VND/kg, depending on the quality and type of goods. "It has been raining and windy for the past few days, so I'm afraid the durian will be hard, so I've temporarily stopped buying goods," Ms. Tinh shared.

In Hanoi, a survey of some points of sale showed that the retail price of Ri6 durian is also low, ranging from 65,000-95,000 VND/kg, even many small fruits with unattractive appearance are sold for just over 50,000 VND/kg.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang - owner of a fruit shop in Cau Giay district (Hanoi) said that since the beginning of the month, the price of Ri6 durian in the market has dropped sharply due to the main season in the West, with abundant supply. "However, not all types are easy to sell. Selected products with yellow flesh and ripe on the tree still maintain high prices and attract customers, while small, unattractive fruits, even though cheaper, are difficult to sell," she said.

On social media, some people are calling on the community to support consumption, especially with congested export durian shipments, with prices dropping sharply. Ms. Thuy Nga - a small trader specializing in selling fruits online in Bac Ninh City, posted a call for support to consume 8 tons of durian from Binh Duong, because it cannot be exported to China.

Some people called for support for consumption, especially with congested durian export shipments (Photo: Screenshot).

According to her, this is a shipment that is facing difficulties in output, and she hopes to receive support from the community to sell it during this difficult market period. "Each fruit weighs from 1.6-5kg, with a selling price of 65,000 VND/kg or 550,000 VND/10kg box, with a commitment to not take any profit," Ms. Nga appealed.

In response to the above situation, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy said that the agency will closely coordinate with the Chinese Customs Department to handle technical issues that are significantly hindering export flows. At the same time, it will speed up the process of granting growing area codes, approving packaging facilities and laboratories for export.

In addition, the plant quarantine process for durian will be urgently issued, serving as a basis for re-evaluating export capabilities and adjusting plans to suit reality.

On May 22, the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) announced that during the review on May 21, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) approved an additional 829 growing area codes and 131 packing facility codes, all of which are new codes. Thus, up to now, Vietnam has 1,396 growing area codes and 188 durian packing facilities approved by GACC.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/kinh-doanh/trung-quoc-siet-manh-gia-sau-rieng-giam-20250525014717505.htm