Imports of Chinese vegetables, fruits soar in 2024

Vietnam imported US$697 million worth fruits and vegetables from China in the first nine months of 2024, up 24% year-on-year.

Imported Chinese farm products used to be sold only in traditional markets, but now they can also be found at most major retail chains such as MM Mega and Co.opmart.

The major imports include apple, grape, garlic, onion, and potato, and are often 10-30% cheaper than products from other countries.

Vo Thanh Loc, co-founder of retailer Farmer’s Market, said the company used to source its products from Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., but has recently added Chinese products to the list since they look nice and come in many varieties.

HCMC’s Thu Duc Agriculture Market has received 88,400 tons of vegetables and fruits imported from China so far this year.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruits & Vegetables Association, said China has been able to improve its fruits quality through farming region control and packaging.

Thanks to reduced transportation costs and zero import tax agreements between China and ASEAN countries, Chinese produce have an advantage in Vietnam, he added.