Vietnam’s durian exports have achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $3 billion in 2024, driven by robust demand and soaring prices. In September alone, durian exports generated approximately 16.85 trillion VND ($674 million), with the fruit now in its off-season, allowing Vietnam to hold a near-global monopoly on fresh durian supplies.
According to data from the General Department of Customs, durian continues to dominate Vietnam’s agricultural export sector, accounting for over 50% of the country’s total fruit and vegetable export turnover. In the first nine months of 2024, durian exports amounted to $2.82 billion, marking a 63.3% year-on-year increase.
China remains the primary destination for Vietnam’s durian, purchasing over 90% of the export value. The off-season harvest from the Mekong Delta, which runs from October to February, has driven prices to record highs due to reduced yields and increasing demand. The lower supply of durians, coupled with high demand, has resulted in premium-grade Thai durians reaching prices of up to 200,000 VND ($8) per kilogram.
The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association estimates that by the end of October 2024, durian exports will have exceeded $3 billion. Despite the conclusion of the main harvest season in the Central Highlands, the Mekong Delta’s off-season harvest ensures Vietnam’s continued dominance in the global durian market, particularly in China.
However, adverse weather conditions have contributed to a decrease in the fruit’s yield, with low fruit set rates during the bloom. This has driven prices higher, especially in the off-season period. Farmers and cooperatives, including the Ngũ Hiep Durian Cooperative in Tien Giang Province, are cautious about committing to large export contracts due to the volatility of prices.
Looking ahead, durian exports are expected to continue their upward trajectory, potentially reaching $3.5 billion by the end of the year. As the Lunar New Year approaches, which is a peak time for durian demand in China, further price increases are anticipated.
Frozen durian exports are also under development, with shipments expected to begin by late 2024 or early 2025, though fresh durians remain the preferred choice for export due to high demand and premium prices.
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