VINAGRI News - China imported nearly US$1 billion worth of Vietnamese durian in the first half of 2026, up 43.4% year on year, making the fruit the dominant contributor to Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports to the Chinese market. With Vietnam's Central Highlands entering its peak durian harvest, exports could accelerate further, while India's recent approval of fresh Vietnamese durian imports offers a new market with more than 1.4 billion consumers.
Summary:
> China spent US$988 million on Vietnamese durian in H1 2026, up 43.4% year on year.
> Durian accounted for 48.45% of Vietnam's total fruit and vegetable export value to China.
> India's approval of fresh Vietnamese durian imports has opened a potential new market of more than 1.4 billion people.
> Quality control, traceability, tariffs and consumer familiarity remain key challenges as Vietnam seeks to diversify durian exports.
China spends nearly $1 billion on Vietnamese durian
Vietnamese durian exports to China generated nearly US$988 million in the first half of 2026, up 43.4% from the same period last year, reinforcing China's position as the dominant market for the fruit.
According to data from the Vietnam Customs Department, China spent US$2.04 billion on Vietnamese fruits and vegetables during the first six months of the year, an increase of nearly 25% year on year.
Durian accounted for US$988 million of that total, up 43.4% and representing 48.45% of Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export value to China.
The value of durian exports alone was higher than the combined export value of dragon fruit, bananas, jackfruit, coconut and mango.
Dragon fruit, bananas and jackfruit generated US$168.3 million, US$150.3 million and US$126.6 million, respectively.
Coconut exports nearly doubled, while exports of dragon fruit, bananas and mangoes declined.
Peak harvest could support further growth
Vietnamese durian exports to China could continue to grow as supplies become more abundant.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said the Central Highlands, Vietnam's largest durian-producing region, has only recently entered its peak harvest season.
If the current growth momentum is maintained, full-year durian exports could therefore record stronger growth than in the same period last year, he said.
The seasonal increase in supply could provide exporters with greater volumes to meet demand in China while potentially creating opportunities to expand sales during the peak harvest period.
India opens a new market for Vietnamese durian
Vietnamese durian is also gaining access to markets beyond China.
In late July, India approved imports of fresh durian from Vietnam, opening access to a market of more than 1.4 billion people.
However, Nguyen cautioned that a large population does not automatically translate into immediate strong demand.
Durian remains relatively unfamiliar to most Indian consumers, while import tariffs, consumption habits and distribution networks will all require time to adapt to the product.
During the initial stage, Vietnamese durian could find demand in major cities, imported fruit stores, premium retail chains, hotels, restaurants and e-commerce platforms.
Frozen, dried and processed durian products could also provide an alternative way for Vietnamese companies to test the Indian market while reducing pressure to sell fresh fruit during the peak harvest season.
Quality and traceability remain critical
Expanding market access alone will not be enough to ensure sustained growth in Vietnamese durian exports.
Quality control and traceability remain major challenges for the industry, particularly as importing markets tighten requirements for agricultural products.
For Vietnamese exporters, maintaining consistent quality, meeting food safety requirements and ensuring transparent traceability will be essential to protecting market access and building consumer confidence.
With China continuing to absorb large volumes and India emerging as a new destination, Vietnam's durian industry has significant room to diversify its export markets. However, the ability to meet quality and traceability standards will be critical to converting new market access into sustainable export growth.
NPK/ Vinagri News
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