Vietnam fruit and vegetable exports surge on Chinese demand

Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports are experiencing significant growth, driven largely by high demand from China. In the first eight months of 2026, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports reached $6.02 billion, a 24.9% year-on-year increase, moving the sector closer to its annual $10 billion target.

China remains the primary market, accounting for 58.9% of total export value. Specifically, China's imports of Vietnamese vegetables, flowers, and fruits reached approximately $2.16 billion in the first half of the year, representing nearly 16% of China's total imports in these categories. Durian has emerged as a major growth driver, with Chinese imports of fresh and frozen durian rising by 43% to nearly $988 million in the first half of the year. Durian exports are projected to reach between $4 billion and $4.5 billion for the full year.

Industry experts note that Vietnam's geographic proximity to China reduces logistics costs and transit times, which is critical for perishable goods. However, officials emphasize the need for strict compliance with import regulations, including business registration, cultivation area codes, and packaging facility transparency, to avoid penalties such as the suspension of export codes due to pest contamination or origin fraud.