In 2024, Vietnam spent $2.4 billion on imported fruits and vegetables, which is a 24% increase from the previous year, according to the General Department of Customs. The biggest suppliers were China, contributing $1 billion, and the United States, which added over $540 million.
Other important trading partners included Australia, providing $150 million worth of produce, and Myanmar, which accounted for $138 million. The rise in imports from China and the U.S. is linked to tax breaks and fewer restrictions thanks to trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the deal between Vietnam and the U.S.
Despite these high import numbers, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports have also been doing very well. The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association reported that exports reached a record $7.2 billion in 2024, becoming the first time they crossed the $7 billion mark. This growth is largely thanks to expanding into over 80 international markets through various free trade agreements.
Durian was the star of the export scene, making up about 40-45% of the total export value. New agreements signed in August 2024 for exporting frozen durian and fresh coconuts to China have opened up new opportunities for Vietnamese farmers. Some businesses have even secured contracts to send as many as 1,500 containers of coconuts to the Chinese market.
In the local market, the rise in imported fruits and vegetables is seen as a way to satisfy consumer demand for different kinds of produce, especially those that are not widely available in Vietnam. The balance of imports and exports shows how actively Vietnam is participating in global agricultural trade, aiming to meet local needs while boosting exports.
Overall, the data points to a healthy trade balance in the fruit and vegetable sector, with exports greatly exceeding imports, leading to a trade surplus of nearly $4.5 billion in 2024. This trend highlights Vietnam’s growing role in the global agricultural market and its commitment to improving the quality and availability of its produce.
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