Durian exports to top $3B in 2024

Durian exports are forecast to surpass US$3 billion this year, according to the Vietnam Vegetable and Fruit Association (Vinafruit).

Vietnam earned more than $1.3 billion from shipping durian abroad in the first six months of 2024, up 40% year-on-year.

China has to date licensed over 700 growing area codes and nearly 200 packaging codes for Vietnamese businesses to export the fruit to this market.

Vinafruit said a protocol on the official export of frozen durian to China is being promoted and likely to be announced soon.

China spends about $1 billion on importing frozen durian every year. If Vietnam can export this type of product via the official channel to the neighboring market and hold a 30% market share, it can earn some $300 – 500 million in revenue, equivalent to about 10% of this year’s estimated durian export turnover.

Vietnam harvests durian all year round, which gives the country’s businesses a competitive edge. This year, however, durian prices are likely to surge twice or thrice compared to current prices as traders rush to purchase the fruit for export.