Fruit and vegetable exports down 5.2%, experts advise on how to sell Vietnamese specialty fruits well to China

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT), in January 2025, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports reached 416 million USD, down 5.2% over the same period last year. On the other hand, fruit and vegetable imports reached 285 million USD, up 31%.

On the morning of January 2, informing Dan Viet, VINAFRUIT General Secretary Dang Phuc Nguyen said that in January 2025, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports reached 416 million USD, down 11.3% compared to the previous month (December 2024 reached 529 million USD) and down 5.2% compared to the same period in 2024 (January 2024 reached 490 million USD).

On the other hand, the import turnover of fruits and vegetables in January 2025 reached 285 million USD, down 6.6% compared to the previous month (December 2024 reached 304 million USD) and up 31% over the same period (January 2024 reached 216 million USD).

Explaining the reason for the decline in the fruit and vegetable industry, Mr. Nguyen said: "Because China has increased supervision of yellow O and cadmium on durian. Enterprises must have test papers for these two substances to clear customs. This has affected Vietnam's main export products, causing total export turnover to decrease compared to the same period last year, and also decrease compared to the previous month."

According to Mr. Nguyen, in this situation, Vietnamese authorities quickly worked with Chinese authorities 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 qualified to issue certification. This is the basis for Vietnamese durian to continue to penetrate the market worth nearly 10 billion USD.

There are currently 9 centers and laboratories testing yellow O in Vietnamese durian in Hanoi , Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and Ca Mau recognized by China. Each center can test an average of 100 samples per day, ensuring business needs. The two sides have agreed to test yellow O on durian peel and flesh.

Sticking stamps to trace the origin and brand of durian at Bau Don Fruit Cooperative (Go Dau, Tay Ninh ). Photo: Tay Ninh Newspaper.

Forecasting fruit and vegetable exports in February 2025, Mr. Nguyen said that export turnover will continue to decrease because after the Lunar New Year, fruit and vegetable consumption is slower, which causes prices to decrease due to reduced demand. It is expected that fruit and vegetable export turnover in February will reach about 300-350 million USD.

In 2024, the export turnover of fruits and vegetables in 2024 will reach 7.12 billion USD, an increase of 27.1% compared to 2023. Of which, durian is the main product, accounting for nearly 50% of the total export turnover of fruits and vegetables, reaching over 3.3 billion USD, an increase of 1 billion USD compared to 2023.

Regarding the Chinese market, Vietnam ranks second in exporting fruits and vegetables to this country of one billion people with a turnover of more than 4 billion USD, surpassing Chile and narrowing the gap with Thailand. This is shown by data from the General Administration of Customs of China, in the 11 months of 2024, China spent more than 22.1 billion USD importing fruits and vegetables from 10 countries. Thailand leads with 6.8 billion USD, down 19.4%. Vietnam is in second place, with over 4 billion USD of vegetables and fruits sold to its neighbor, up 26% over the same period in 2023.

Mr. Nguyen commented that Thailand’s difficulties due to unfavorable weather have helped China increase its purchases from Vietnam, especially durian. In addition, Vietnam’s bananas, dragon fruit, watermelon, mango and lychee have also surpassed Thailand, becoming the leading product group in this market.

Vietnam is now a "heavyweight" competitor that Chile and Thailand are wary of. If it overcomes technical barriers and improves the quality of fresh and frozen products, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, Vietnam has the potential to become the leading vegetable exporter to China this year.

To maintain growth and achieve the export target of 8 billion USD of fruits and vegetables by 2025, Mr. Nguyen said that producers and businesses need to comply with new inspection regulations and tighten purchasing links to improve product quality. In addition, processed products need to be invested in design and conform to the standards of importing countries.

Source: https://danviet.vn/xuat-khau-rau-qua-giam-52-chuyen-gia-hien-ke-de-cac-qua-dac-san-viet-nam-ban-tot-sang-trung-quoc-20250201093539588.htm