Fruit and vegetable exports in 2024 will set a new record

Strong growth in many markets

Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development show that in the first six months of 2024, fruit and vegetable exports reached US$3.5 billion, an increase of over 28% compared to the same period in 2023. Notably, export turnover of this commodity increased in almost all markets.

Durian is the fastest-growing export fruit and vegetable item since the beginning of the year. (Illustrative image)

China, Thailand, and South Korea remain major import markets for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, with imports increasing by 30-60% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year. Exports to China alone reached approximately US$2.2 billion in the past six months (a 33% increase compared to the same period in 2023), leading all importing markets for this product.

According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien, Vietnam currently exports more than a dozen types of fruit to the Chinese market through official channels, including watermelon, mangosteen, durian, fresh bananas, sweet potatoes, dragon fruit, rambutan, mango, lychee, longan, and jackfruit. Notably, Vietnam and China are expected to sign a new Protocol on the export of frozen durian, passion fruit, and chili peppers in 2024. Currently, the two countries have agreed to sign a Protocol on fresh coconuts, opening up export prospects for Vietnamese coconuts. These are opportunities for fruit and vegetable exports to continue to surge in the second half of this year.

Besides the Chinese market, in the past six months, fruit and vegetable exports to South Korea reached over $180 million, an increase of 57.9% compared to the same period last year. Growth was also recorded in the US market, with export value reaching over $150 million, an increase of 32.4% compared to the same period last year.

According to Nguyen Thanh Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, a highlight of the fruit industry is the upward trend in exports of processed products. In the first six months of 2024, Vietnam's processed fruit and vegetable exports increased by 10-15% compared to the previous year. This is a positive sign for Vietnam to further expand its import markets and diversify its fruit and vegetable products with higher value.

Stabilize supply, ensure quality.

Experts and managers believe that quality remains a key issue that businesses need to focus on in order to maintain and generate significant growth.

 

Since the beginning of the year, fruits and vegetables have been among the top-performing export items in the country's agricultural sector. This sector is expected to set a new record with exports exceeding $7 billion. However, the quality of exported fruits and vegetables remains a challenging issue that needs to be addressed in the future.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien

Regarding this issue, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien analyzed: the Chinese market accounts for more than 60% of Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports, but recently the General Administration of Customs of China announced that it will ban the import of durian from 18 growing regions and 15 packaging facilities in Vietnam due to the detection of heavy metal residues exceeding permissible levels.

"China is currently the world's largest importer of durian. Vietnam is also the largest exporter of durian to this market. However, this could also be the reason why many farmers and businesses prioritize quantity over quality," Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien shared.

Sharing his views on solutions, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh suggested that businesses need to focus on quality, as this is the key to maintaining growth and expanding markets. Not only the Chinese market, but also the United States is a large potential market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables. However, to export products to the US, it is necessary to increase the added value of seasonal fruits by adding processed products such as dried fruits, fruit powders, and canned products to ensure year-round consumption; and applying new technologies to extend the shelf life of fruits.

The agricultural sector aims for fruit and vegetable exports to reach US$7-7.5 billion in 2024, a target that is expected to be achieved. However, both in the short and long term, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends that localities with key export fruit and vegetable groups need to plan and maintain production areas, apply high technology in all stages from planting to preliminary processing and processing, and focus on developing production chains. Only with a stable supply and guaranteed quality can export and market access be assured.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will work with localities to develop production and export strategies for the fruit and vegetable sector. The Ministry will also coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Vietnamese trade offices abroad to regularly update new regulations and standards from importing markets.

“Sensitivity and strict adherence to international regulations are fundamental solutions for the sustainable development of all sectors, including fruits and vegetables. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, along with relevant ministries and agencies, will tighten management of quality and growing areas. With a large and stable supply, the quality issue needs to be effectively addressed to achieve higher growth in fruit and vegetable exports,” Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/xuat-khau-rau-qua-nam-2024-se-lap-ky-luc-moi.html