Summary of Key Points
This news article highlights the explosive growth in the export of Vietnamese durians to China over recent years. From 2022 to 2025, export volumes increased by more than 13 times (from 277 million to approximately 4 billion US dollars), and in the first half of 2026 alone, exports generated 870 million US dollars, with an annual forecast exceeding 4 billion US dollars. This success is attributed to policy support from both Vietnam and China, as well as a mature supply chain. It has not only provided Vietnamese farmers with more stable income but also enabled Chinese consumers to access durians at lower prices. Additionally, it has boosted overall economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the agricultural sector, with Vietnam becoming China's largest trading partner within ASEAN.
Detailed Analysis
1. Why have Vietnamese durians been able to gain a foothold in the Chinese market?
There are three main reasons:
- Policy Support: In July 2022, Vietnam and China signed an agreement allowing Vietnamese durians that meet quarantine requirements to enter the Chinese market, providing the necessary authorization.
- Mature Supply Chain: The process from harvesting in Vietnamese orchards to reaching Chinese shelves has become much smoother. After being picked, durians undergo screening for pests and diseases, cleaning, labeling, and packaging, they are then transported across the border using refrigerated trucks and must pass Chinese customs inspections before being released.
- Strong Chinese Demand: Chinese consumers have a high demand for durians; in 2025, China imported 1.868 million tons (more than 5,000 tons per day), showing a significant increase over the past decade, indicating a large market potential.
2. Have durian exports helped Vietnamese farmers achieve stable income?
In the past, Vietnamese durians were mainly sold domestically, with prices fluctuating significantly, leaving farmers unsure of their earnings for each season. With the ability to export to China, there are more buyers, and prices have become more stable. Farmers no longer worry about surplus crops going unsold; as a result, their enthusiasm for growing durians has increased, leading to more reliable income. For example, the Xiyuan region, Vietnam's largest durian-producing area, is now eagerly awaiting the peak export season to China.
3. Are Chinese consumers one step closer to enjoying durians more freely?
This year, retail prices for durians have decreased significantly, making them more accessible to the general public. The reasons are straightforward:
- Increased Supply: A large volume of Vietnamese durians, combined with those from Thailand, ensures a steady supply on Chinese shelves.
- Reduced Costs: Faster logistics (refrigerated truck transportation) and lower tariffs have lowered costs, allowing retailers to sell durians at more competitive prices.
- Many consumers note that they can now afford to buy durians occasionally, bringing them one step closer to the freedom of enjoying this fruit whenever they wish.
4. How has the export of durians contributed to enhanced economic and trade ties between Vietnam and China?
Durian exports are just the beginning; bilateral cooperation in agricultural products is expanding:
- Vietnam is already exporting over 20 types of fruits and vegetables to China, including chili peppers, passion fruit, and jackfruits, with pomelos and limes added in 2026.
- Chinese agricultural products are also being sold in Vietnam; fresh flowers from Yunnan may appear in Hanoi markets the very next day.
- Agricultural trade has become a highlight of bilateral economic relations, with Vietnam now becoming China's largest trading partner within ASEAN, fostering economic growth throughout Southeast Asia.
5. Can Vietnamese durians successfully compete in the Indian market?
While Vietnam is exploring other markets, such as India (which has recently approved durian imports), it faces challenges:
- Indians are not familiar with durians, and many have never tried them before.
- High import tariffs and lack of established distribution channels mean it will take time for durians to gain popularity in India; they may not achieve the same success as in the Chinese market in the short term.
Overall, the export of Vietnamese durians to China represents a win-win situation: Vietnam benefits from increased revenue, Chinese consumers benefit from lower prices, and bilateral relations are strengthened. This example illustrates how even a small commodity like durians can significantly impact economic and trade cooperation between two countries.