Fruit and vegetable exports hit record high of nearly 5 billion USD

By the end of October, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports were estimated to reach more than 4.9 billion USD, an increase of over 78% over the same period last year.

This result far exceeds the plan at the beginning of the year (4 billion USD) and is the highest level ever, according to information just announced by the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.

Vietnam mainly exports fruits and vegetables to markets such as China, the US, South Korea, Japan, and the Netherlands. In the top 5, only the US decreased by 4% compared to the same period in 2022, while the remaining markets all increased.

Of which, fruit and vegetable exports to China reached over 2.75 billion USD, up 2.6 times over the same period last year - a record high. Next is the Netherlands with an increase of 50%, South Korea with an increase of 21%, Japan with an increase of 6%. Currently, China is the leading market in terms of market share of fruit and vegetable exports from Vietnam, reaching 65%, up 22% over the same period in 2022.

Among fruit and vegetable products, durian accounts for the largest proportion with 55% of total export turnover, reaching 1.5 billion USD. In addition, Vietnam's exports of jackfruit, mango, longan, grapefruit, and watermelon to the markets of Korea, Japan, China, and the Netherlands also increased sharply, fluctuating from 45-150% compared to the same period last year.

Durian at a garden in Can Tho. Photo: Manh Khuong — Durian at a garden in Can Tho . Photo: *Manh Khuong*

Explaining the reason for the fruit and vegetable exports exceeding the plan, Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen - General Secretary of the Fruit and Vegetable Association - said that it was thanks to the signing of many official export protocols to markets, including China. In particular, durian is a product favored by consumers in this country, so the export output increased dramatically by dozens of times and became a billion-dollar product. This is also the type of fruit that helped the fruit and vegetable export turnover grow remarkably. It is expected that by the end of the year, fruit and vegetable exports will reach 5.5 billion USD.

According to Mr. Cao Ba Dang Khoa, acting Secretary General of the Vietnam Coconut Association, China is also about to allow Vietnam to officially export coconuts. This is a fruit that is expected to quickly become a billion-dollar export item in the near future.

However, Mr. Khoa said that currently only about 20 businesses have invested properly and researched the coconut industry thoroughly. Other small businesses often do not have in-depth market research. Therefore, when China opens its doors, it is necessary to strictly control coconut exports to ensure prestige with the neighboring country.

In addition to exports, on the other hand, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable imports are slowing down. In 10 months, fruit and vegetable imports reached 1.6 billion USD, down 4.1% over the same period last year. In the top 10 fruit and vegetable import markets, 7 markets saw Vietnam reduce purchases and only increased imports of fruit and vegetable products from South Korea, New Zealand and India. Items that increased imports from India include onions, curry, and cinnamon. These are the types of products that Vietnam lacks or has reduced production compared to the same period in 2022.

Thi Ha

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