DURIAN EXPORTS PROJECTED TO HIT US$1 BILLION IN Q1

Harvesting durian in the Mekong Delta. PHOTO: TRUNG CHANH

HCMC – Vietnam can gain US$1 billion in revenue from durian products exports within the first quarter of this year, provided that customs clearance at northern border gates remains favorable.

This optimistic outlook was given by the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade following a good start to the year, with January figures reaching over US$117 million, up by a staggering 275% year-on-year.

Durian has solidified its position as the powerhouse of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector, accounting for more than 18% of the total export value in the first month of the year.

The primary growth drivers are the significant expansion of specialized cultivation area codes and the official protocol allowing the export of frozen durian to the Chinese market. As of January 2026, the number of China-approved growing areas and packaging facilities for Vietnamese durian has doubled compared to the same period last year, effectively streamlining the supply chain.

Furthermore, Vietnam holds a strategic advantage with its off-season harvest (running from November to March), allowing exporters to dominate the international market while major competitors like Thailand and Malaysia have yet to enter their main harvest seasons.

Beyond durian, other staple fruits such as dragon fruit, bananas, and mangoes maintain steady export volumes to traditional markets like China and ASEAN. Meanwhile, fresh coconuts, longans, and various aromatic herbs are increasing their market share in the United States, Japan and the EU.

Source: The Saigon Times