Brian Jeffrey
China, known as the largest durian market globally, has been attempting to cultivate durian for many years. Despite expanding durian growing areas, Chinese farmers have struggled to achieve the desired quality in their crops.
The significant demand for durian in China has led to imports worth $6.5 billion in 2023, a 70% increase from the previous year, mainly sourced from Vietnam and Thailand.
Over the years, Vietnam has been exporting durian to China through unofficial channels. However, since late 2022, official exports have commenced, resulting in a surge in turnover benefiting both Chinese farmers and exporters.
According to the General Department of Customs (GDC), Vietnam earned $2.24 billion from durian exports in 2023, with nearly 97% coming from China, making durian a lucrative fruit commodity in Vietnam after dragon fruit.
In the first half of 2024, Vietnam exported durian worth $1.32 billion, marking a 45% increase from the same period last year. The country anticipates a further $2 billion in earnings from the Central Highlands durian harvest in the second half of the year.
The rapid expansion of durian cultivation has led to a surge in exports to China, creating new opportunities for Vietnamese farmers, who can earn substantial profits from durian sales.
Various regions in Vietnam have reported significant earnings from durian sales, with farmers reaping profits both in and off-season, further boosting the country’s agricultural economy.
The potential for durian export growth to China remains promising, as agencies from both countries are finalizing agreements on the import and export of frozen durian products.
With China facing challenges related to the disposal of durian waste, frozen durian products are expected to gain popularity due to their convenience and reduced environmental impact.
If the export protocol is finalized, Vietnam stands to benefit significantly from increased exports to China, potentially earning hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
