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Vietnam ranks second in fruit and vegetable exports to China with a turnover of more than 4 billion USD, surpassing Chile and narrowing the gap with Thailand.
According to data from the General Administration of Customs of China, in the 11 months of 2024, China spent more than 22.1 billion USD importing fruits and vegetables from 10 countries. Thailand led with 6.8 billion USD, down 19.4%. Vietnam ranked second, selling over 4 billion USD worth of fruits and vegetables to its neighbor, up 26% over the same period in 2023.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that Thailand's difficulties due to unfavorable weather have helped China increase its purchases from Vietnam, especially durian. In addition, Vietnamese bananas, dragon fruit, watermelon, mango and lychee have also surpassed Thailand, becoming the leading product group in this market.
Vietnam is now a "heavyweight" competitor that Chile and Thailand are wary of. If it overcomes technical barriers and improves the quality of fresh and frozen products, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, Vietnam has the potential to become the leading vegetable exporter to China this year.
Meanwhile, according to statistics for the first 11 months of 2024, Chile - the country that has been leading or second in exporting vegetables to the billion-people market for a decade - only reached 3.4 billion USD. Next is the US with 1.1 billion USD, up 18%.
However, durian, which currently accounts for nearly 50% of Vietnam's total fruit and vegetable export turnover, is facing challenges due to China's increased testing of cadmium and yellow O - a compound that can cause cancer.
Last year, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports to other countries reached a record of 7.15 billion USD, up 27.6% compared to 2023. In 2025, Vietnam aims to export 8 billion USD worth of fruits and vegetables, of which China is still the largest buyer. The leader of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association said that if difficulties in export markets are not resolved soon, this year's export target will be difficult to achieve.
To maintain growth, Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen said that producers and businesses need to comply with new inspection regulations and tighten purchasing links to improve product quality. In addition, processed goods need to be invested in design and conform to the standards of importing countries.
There are currently 9 centers and laboratories testing yellow O in Vietnamese durian in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and Ca Mau that are recognized by China. Each center can test an average of 100 samples per day, ensuring business needs. The two sides have agreed to test yellow O on durian peel and flesh.
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