Exports of fruits and vegetables to South Korea and Thailand have surged.

According to a quick report from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), fruit and vegetable exports in March are estimated at nearly US$470 million, an increase of 44.3% compared to the previous month and 12.4% compared to the same period in 2023. For the first quarter of 2024, fruit and vegetable exports reached nearly US$1.3 billion, an increase of 30.8% compared to the same period in 2023. This marks the first time in history that fruit and vegetable export revenue has exceeded US$1 billion in the first quarter.

Notably, Vietnam's main export markets for fruits and vegetables, such as China, South Korea, the US, Thailand, and Japan, all recorded high growth rates. Leading in export value was the Chinese market, reaching US$759.4 million, a 32.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Currently, the Chinese market accounts for 59.1% of the total export value of the entire fruit and vegetable sector.

Next, the South Korean market reached $74.6 million, an increase of 59.3%; the US market reached $67.7 million, an increase of 33.9%. Notably, the Thai market reached $47.6 million, a dramatic increase of 112%.

Xuất khẩu rau quả sang Hàn Quốc, Thái Lan tăng đột biến

The surge in durian exports has driven up the export value of fruits and vegetables in the first quarter to over $1 billion.

Regarding the achievements, according to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, this is due to the contribution of off-season durian and dragon fruit. In addition, in the South Korean market, geopolitical conflicts and the impact of the Red Sea disrupted the export of fruits from South America and the Middle East. Increased transportation costs and longer shipping times led to a shortage of fruits and vegetables in South Korea. Therefore, South Korea increased imports of fruits and vegetables from Vietnam to compensate for this shortfall.

"The doubling of freight costs and the increase in shipping time to 40 days instead of 25 days have made importing fruits and vegetables from South America and the Middle East difficult. This is an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to increase exports to South Korea," Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen shared.

Regarding the prospects for fruit and vegetable exports in 2024, Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, believes that despite the forecast of continued difficulties in the global and domestic economies , the fruit and vegetable sector has significant potential to achieve an export turnover of 7 billion USD. Key factors driving the fruit and vegetable sector towards achieving this target in 2024 include: High demand remains in China, the largest export market for fruits and vegetables. Vietnam is currently negotiating with China to allow the official export of more products to this market. In addition, exports to major markets such as the US, EU, Australia, and South Korea will continue to be boosted.

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