Vietnam’s Fruit Market: A $800 Million Investment in Chinese Produce

Vietnam’s Fruit and Vegetable Imports from China Surge

In the initial ten months of 2024, Vietnam has imported nearly $800 million worth of fruits and vegetables from China, which is about 20 trillion VND. This represents a significant 25% increase from last year’s $640 million during the same timeframe, according to the General Department of Customs.

Chinese fruits are becoming increasingly prevalent in Vietnamese markets, offered in large volumes at impressively low prices, even when considering transportation and middlemen. Some premium “Grade A” varieties and “domestic goods” from China are available at surprisingly affordable rates.

Recently, a surge of Chinese “pearl jelly” persimmons has been observed in Vietnam’s market. Retail prices range from 50,000 to 90,000 VND per kilogram, while they can be found for as low as 20,000 VND per kilogram on wholesale online platforms.

Other popular variants like honey and black persimmons are similarly inexpensive, with honey persimmons selling for about 13,000–18,000 VND/kg, and black persimmons priced at 200,000 VND for a 10-kilogram crate, equivalent to 20,000 VND/kg.

• Ruby grapes, valued for their sweetness and crunch, have wholesale prices between 17,000 and 30,000 VND/kg depending on type.
• Fuji honey apples from Guizhou, promoted as premium, are priced at a mere 15,000 VND/kg.
• Despite safety issues arising from a scandal in Thailand, milk grapes remain popular, their prices ranging from 18,000 to 22,000 VND/kg.
• Pomegranates also see varied pricing based on type: hard-seed variants at 6,000 VND/kg, soft-seed at 14,000–17,000 VND/kg, and blood-red pomegranates at 25,000 VND/kg.
• Bia apples, currently in their peak harvest season in China, are available wholesale for an astonishing 8,000–10,000 VND/kg.
• Chinese red dates, marketed for health benefits, are sold for 25,000–30,000 VND/kg.

The appealingly low prices of these fruits have sparked concerns regarding their safety among consumers, with many questioning whether such inexpensive imports comply with food safety standards in online discussions.

The Department of Plant Protection, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, affirms that they conduct food safety inspections in accordance with Decree 15 (2018), which prescribes three levels of scrutiny:

1. Reduced Inspection: Random checks on up to 5% of shipments.
2. Normal Inspection: Review of shipping documents only.
3. Strict Inspection: Involves document review and sample testing.

The choice of inspection method relies on risk assessments and previous safety violations. Ongoing annual monitoring includes testing for pesticide residues among imported fruits.

At present, most Chinese fruits entering Vietnam undergo normal inspections, though stricter measures can be enacted if risks arise, such as increasing the frequency of sample testing. The Department emphasizes its dedication to food safety and can implement additional measures if necessary.