Vietnam fruit and vegetable exports reach $7.4 billion in nine months

Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports reached nearly $7.4 billion in the first nine months of 2026, representing a 19.9% increase compared to the same period last year. China remains the largest market, accounting for 63% of total export value, followed by the United States at 7% and South Korea at 3.8%. Durian has emerged as a leading commodity, generating $3.5 billion in revenue, a 52% year-on-year increase.

Despite this growth, the industry faces significant challenges regarding post-harvest losses. Estimates suggest losses of 20-30% for fruits and vegetables, 15-25% for seafood, and 13-15% for rice. These losses are attributed to fragmented production scales, inadequate primary processing facilities, and a lack of cold storage near raw material areas. Such deficiencies often force exporters to use expensive air freight, which can cost five to seven times more than sea transport.

To mitigate these issues, companies like Goodlife are investing in integrated technologies, including steam heat treatment, temperature-controlled cold storage, and ethylene gas management. These advancements aim to extend shelf life and meet the strict quarantine and quality standards of major markets such as Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Australia.