VINAGRI News - Vietnam’s durian exports remain a major foreign exchange earner despite declining farmgate prices compared to last year, with monthly export revenues still exceeding USD 500 million - and in some peak months, reaching as high as USD 800 million, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT).
Record August export value
In August 2025, Vietnam’s durian exports reached USD 589 million, up 55% from July 2025 and 10% higher year-on-year - a record for the month since Vietnam signed the durian export protocol with China, according to Người Lao Động newspaper.
Cumulatively, in the first eight months of 2025, durian exports totaled USD 1.79 billion, still 16% lower than the same period last year due to a weak start early in the year.
China dominates as key buyer
China continues to dominate Vietnam’s durian export market. In August alone, it imported USD 572 million worth of Vietnamese durians - accounting for 97% of total export value. Over the first eight months, China purchased USD 1.628 billion, representing 91% of the market share.
Among the top 10 export markets, Malaysia recorded the strongest growth, up 1,026% year-on-year, reaching USD 1.85 million.
Peak export season & strong output
According to Mr Đặng Phúc Nguyên, General Secretary of VINAFRUIT, September typically marks the export peak for Vietnam’s durian sector. With favorable market conditions, exports are expected to generate USD 700 - 800 million this month, over 90% of which will go to China.
This period coincides with the harvest peak in the Central Highlands, particularly in Đắk Lắk and neighboring provinces, where the Dona (Monthong) variety - preferred by Chinese buyers - commands higher prices than Ri6. Increased production volumes are supporting export growth even as prices ease.
Farmgate prices cool, profit margins narrow
This year, farmgate durian prices have cooled significantly compared to the 2024 boom. Farmers in Đắk Lắk reported current wholesale prices around VND 60,000/kg, down from over VND 80,000/kg last year. Lower-quality fruit is selling for below VND 30,000/kg, putting pressure on profit margins amid high labor and input costs.
As of October 1, Dona Grade A durians were quoted at VND 85,000/kg, with Grade B around VND 65,000/kg, down VND 2,000 - 5,000/kg from last week.
Industry perspective: Lower prices, broader markets
Nguyên noted that while falling prices are unwelcome for growers, they benefit the industry overall by improving affordability and enabling market diversification - including growth in frozen and processed durian exports. Previously, high prices limited consumer access and constrained demand.
“Lower prices help durian become more accessible to global buyers and support the expansion into new markets beyond China,” Mr Nguyên said.
Outlook
Despite price corrections, export revenues remain robust thanks to rising output and strong Chinese demand. Industry analysts expect continued high export volumes in Q4, supported by seasonal harvest peaks and expanding processing capacity.
NPK/ Vinagri News
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