Overall shipments of fruits and nuts have taken a significant hit, plummeting by 23% to a staggering US$1 billion, as exports of six out of the eight leading fruits face stark declines. Among the most affected is the beloved durian, which, following a surge last year, experienced a dramatic 61% drop in exports, falling to $183 million.
The news gets even juicier; watermelon exports have dropped by 52% to $33 million, while jackfruit has seen a 20% decline, now at $98 million. Even bananas and dragon fruit shipments reflected slight decreases. The Fruits and Vegetables Association attributes this downturn largely to the tightening of import standards in key markets such as China, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Thailand.
China, which is Vietnam’s largest buyer of agricultural goods, has ramped up its quarantine and inspection protocols. Durian has suffered greatly under these new regulations, with Chinese authorities now inspecting every shipment for cadmium residues and other potentially harmful substances. This has led to rising costs for exporters and lengthened customs clearance times, leaving many businesses reluctant to enter new contracts with buyers.
Jackfruit, heavily dependent on the Chinese market, is experiencing similar issues, as stricter controls on chemicals push firms to limit purchases from farmers, focusing primarily on domestic consumption. Dragon fruit exports have also been hindered as China moves toward self-sufficiency, sourcing from Vietnam mainly during its off-season.
This slump in exports has hit domestic fruit prices hard. Off-season durian now averages VND40,000–80,000 per kilogram, which is a steep decline from the previous year. Jackfruit prices have hit rock bottom, plummeting to historic lows of VND4,000–10,000. These steep declines have placed many farmers in key growing regions in a precarious position, struggling to recover their costs—especially those who expanded their cultivation heedlessly.
In a recent meeting, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy underscored the urgent need for action, stating, “We must review cultivation areas to avoid uncontrolled expansion and misuse of forest land while tightening planning to ensure safe production and ecological protection.” The ministry aims to bolster the legal framework surrounding agricultural exports by tightening regulations on farms, packing facilities, and testing laboratories.
The focus will be on standardizing technical processes from production to export, promoting deep processing to enhance value, and reducing reliance on fresh fruit exports. Businesses are also encouraged to diversify their markets in order to mitigate risks stemming from policy changes by major importing countries.
It’s a challenging time for Vietnam’s fruit industry, but isn’t it also a reminder that the world of agriculture is as unpredictable as a fruit fly in a locker room?
What caused the sharp decline in fruit exports?
The primary reason for the fall is the tightening of import regulations in major markets like China, which has intensified quarantine and inspection standards.
How have these changes affected farmers?
Many farmers are struggling to cover their costs due to plummeting prices. Those who expanded their production without planning are feeling particularly vulnerable.
What actions are being taken to address these challenges?
The Ministry of Agriculture plans to review cultivation areas, tighten regulations on agricultural exports, and encourage businesses to diversify their markets for greater stability.
