VINAGRI News - Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector is experiencing strong growth, with exports for the first 10 months reaching over USD 7 billion, paving the way to achieve a USD 10 billion target in the coming years. Key products include durian, bananas, mangoes, and pomelos, while China and high-end markets such as the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Australia remain strategic export destinations.
Summary:
> Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports for the first 10 months are estimated at USD 7 billion, up 14% year-on-year.
> Key products: durian, bananas, mangoes, jackfruit, coconut, pomelo.
> Important export markets: China, U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia.
> Challenges: product quality, pesticide residues, raw material zones, export procedures.
> Solutions: develop certified raw material zones, apply VietGAP/GlobalGAP, enhance traceability.
> China’s Decree 280 (effective June 1, 2026) will change import management to risk-based, emphasizing food safety supervision.
Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable industry is entering a period of rapid growth, with exports in the first 10 months estimated at over USD 7 billion, a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. Export turnover is projected to surpass USD 8 billion this year for the first time and aims for USD 10 billion in the coming years, driven by improved quality, market expansion, and flexible adaptation to partner regulations, especially in China.
According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the growth is primarily driven by strategic fruits such as durian, bananas, mangoes, jackfruit, coconut, and pomelo. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of the Association, noted that from late Q2 to early Q3, exports surged due to increased production and value of key products.
“Thanks to the strong recovery in the durian sector, the export turnover of fruits and vegetables has increased significantly. This year, durian exports could exceed USD 3 billion,” Nguyen said.
Vietnamese fruits are also expanding into high-end markets. Durian exports have achieved double-digit growth in the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Notably, Vietnamese pomelo has recently been approved for export to Australia, marking a major step in meeting strict food safety standards.
Nguyen emphasized: “Entering the Australian market opens doors to other demanding markets.” He also expects the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection to soon allow pomelo exports to China, a market with strong demand.
Challenges in quality and standards
To sustain growth, the sector faces challenges related to quality and standards. Nguyen Phong Phu, Technical Director of Vina T&T Group, warned that many farming areas still follow traditional practices and misuse pesticides, risking contamination and product quality.
“Import markets strictly monitor pesticide residues. Even a slight exceedance could result in warnings or rejected shipments, seriously affecting the reputation of enterprises and the sector,” Phu emphasized.
China market and raw material zones
China remains a strategic market, importing 17 - 18 billion USD worth of fruits and vegetables annually, while Vietnam currently holds only 4 - 5 billion USD market share. To expand, Vietnam must ensure food safety standards, clear traceability, and strict compliance with quarantine regulations.
A key factor for sustainable growth is the development of certified raw material zones. Nguyen noted that the pilot project on certified agricultural and forestry raw material zones (2022 - 2025) is a correct approach, enabling Vietnamese fruits to meet uniform standards and traceability requirements in demanding markets such as Australia, the U.S., EU, and South Korea.
However, small-scale and fragmented production remains a major bottleneck. Technical infrastructure and irrigation are limited, and there is a large information gap between farmers and markets. Each importing country has different quarantine and residue requirements, and any minor mistake can result in shipment rejection.
Preparing for China’s new regulation
China’s Decree 280, effective June 1, 2026, will replace Decree 248, shifting from administrative management to risk-based classification. Vietnamese enterprises must review their registration codes in the CIFER system, ensure compliance with food safety and packaging regulations, and be classified as low-risk to receive export priorities.
To adapt, enterprises need to upgrade production standards, enhance traceability, and strengthen internal risk management. For processed products, maintaining HACCP, ISO 22000, or equivalent certifications is advantageous; for fresh fruits, strict adherence to production area codes and packing facilities is crucial.
With stable growth, adaptability to new regulations, and standardized raw material zones, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector stands poised to achieve the USD 10 billion export target, strengthening its position in the global agricultural market through quality, transparency, and sustainable development.
NPK/ Vinagri News
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