Durian is thriving, fruit and vegetable exports can exceed billions of dollars a month

Market surveys show that in the past week, durian prices increased by about 5,000-7,000 VND per kilogram, equivalent to about 8% compared to last week, thanks to increased purchasing in the Chinese market.

Currently, Thai durian type A (2.7 boxes) is purchased at about 80,000 VND per kg in the West, 73,000 VND in the East and 75,000 VND in the Central Highlands; Type B goods (2.5 drawers) range from 35,000 to 45,000 VND per kg. Meanwhile, Ri6 type A costs 55,000-58,000 VND per kg, type B costs about 25,000-30,000 VND.

Mr. Trung, a durian buyer in Dak Lak, said the number of export orders increased again in the past week, so the warehouses also stepped up the collection of goods. “The price has improved compared to before. When beautiful products arrive, someone will take them immediately,” he said.

At a durian warehouse on Hung Dao Vuong Street, Vinh Long, the owner of the warehouse said the purchasing atmosphere was more exciting than before. In order to have a source of goods that meet export standards, many traders are willing to spend about 1,000 VND more per kg for someone to introduce a garden with durian of export quality.

Accumulated in the first 7 months of the year, fruit and vegetable exports are estimated to reach 4.76 billion USD, up 23% over the same period in 2025. In contrast, imports reach about 1.84 billion USD, up 27%, bringing the entire industry’s trade surplus to nearly 2.92 billion USD.

China continues to be the largest export market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, accounting for more than half of the total turnover. The US, Korea, Japan, the Netherlands and many other markets also maintain growth, contributing to diversifying output for Vietnamese agricultural products.

According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, durian continues to be the industry’s biggest driving force, contributing more than 50% of total fruit and vegetable export turnover.

“In previous months, Vietnamese durian faced fierce competition from Thailand. Now that this country has finished its season, Vietnamese durian is almost ‘alone in the market’, the output is much more favorable,” Mr. Nguyen said.

According to him, besides fresh fruit exports, frozen durian is contributing increasingly to turnover growth. Durian prices have dropped sharply in recent times due to abundant supply, helping processing businesses have more raw materials at low cost to boost production and export.

“Low raw material prices mean businesses have more opportunities to increase frozen durian output for export,” Mr. Nguyen said. Currently, this product is not only exported to China but also expanded to the US, Korea, Japan and many other markets, contributing significantly to the overall growth of the entire industry.

Export activities are also supported by policy. Recently, the Customs Department requested regional customs branches to prioritize customs clearance of agricultural products within the same day, including outside of business hours, days off and holidays; At the same time, arrange staff to handle procedures and monitor goods promptly. Accelerating the issuance of growing area codes and completing export procedures also contributes to shortening delivery time, creating convenience for businesses.

According to Mr. Nguyen, the Central Highlands is about to enter the main durian harvest season, lasting until around September-October. This is the period that usually records the highest export turnover of the year. With the recovery of the Chinese market, advantages from fresh and frozen durian exports and customs clearance support policies, the fruit and vegetable industry is expected to continue to make a breakthrough in the last months of the year.