Durian exports surge by 44% to $3.1B

Durian exports in the first 11 months of this year fetched US$3.1 billion, 44% up from a year earlier, customs data shows.

China was the biggest market, accounting for $2.8 billion, or 90% of all exports, a 43% year-on-year increase.

Thailand followed with $177 million, up 82%, while Hong Kong and Japan stepped up purchases by 16% and 85%. Shipments to Cambodia rose by 139 times to $3 million.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said 2024 has been a bumper year for exports, especially of durian.

The association estimated fruit and vegetable exports would hit $7.1 billion for the year, up 27% from 2023, with durian accounting for half the value.

Durian exports are expected to rise next year as Vietnam begins to ship durian pulp and puree to China.

These products will bring more value than fresh durian, helping farmers make use of fruits that meet quality standards but are misshapen.

Vietnam has around 154,000 hectares under durian and produces 1.2 million tons of the fruit annually.

Exports of other fruits such as banana, jackfruit, mango, and coconut have also seen year-on-year increases of 20-400% in the first 11 months.