# Vietnam durian cultivation and market expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-durian-cultivation-and-market-expansion > Updated: 2026-09-11T11:06:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Vietnam is undergoing a significant agricultural transition in its Central Highlands, as farmers move from traditional Robusta coffee production toward durian cultivation. This shift is driven by the high profitability of durian and surging demand in China, following a 2022 trade protocol that established Vietnam as a leading supplier to the Chinese market. National durian cultivation has expanded to approximately 200,000 hectares, with an expected production of 2.08 million tons in 2026. As the industry grows, market dynamics have become increasingly complex. Prices for durian vary significantly by region and variety; for instance, VIP Thai durian in the Central Highlands has reached 95,000 VND/kg, while lower-quality batches in Ho Chi Minh City are sold for as little as 20,000 VND/kg. Despite the rapid expansion, the Vietnamese durian sector faces intensifying international competition from Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Durian prices in Vietnam fluctuate across regions and varieties Durian prices in Vietnam vary widely, with VIP Thai varieties reaching 95,000 VND/kg while street vendors in Ho Chi Minh City sell lower-quality fruit for 20,000 VND/kg. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/durian-prices-in-vietnam-fluctuate-across-regions-and-varieties ### 2026-08-29: Vietnam farmers shift from coffee to durian for higher profits Vietnamese farmers in the Central Highlands are shifting from Robusta coffee to durian cultivation to capitalize on high demand and lucrative profits from the Chinese market. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-farmers-shift-from-coffee-to-durian-for-higher-profits --- Cite as: Vietnam durian cultivation and market expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-durian-cultivation-and-market-expansion