Vietnam’s vegetable and fruit exports have achieved an unprecedented milestone, surpassing all previous records. As of mid-September this year, the country’s vegetable and fruit exports have reached $3.84 billion, exceeding the 2018 figure of $3.81 billion.
Preliminary statistics from the General Department of Customs reveal that in just the first half of September, Vietnam’s vegetable and fruit exports earned $293.4 million, marking an astonishing 187% increase compared to the same period in September 2022.
Cumulatively, by September 15th, the total export value reached $3.84 billion, a remarkable 67% surge compared to the same period last year. This achievement officially establishes a historic export record for Vietnamese vegetables and fruits, surpassing the $3.81 billion mark set in 2018.
According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association’s estimate
By the end of September this year, vegetable and fruit exports are projected to surpass $4.1 billion, reflecting a substantial 69.1% growth compared to the same period last year.
The value of Vietnam’s vegetable and fruit exports during the period of 2013-2023 (Billion USD)
Key contributors to this growth include durians, bananas, and dragon fruit. Notably, durians, previously ranked fourth among fruit categories, have risen to the top in terms of exports, surpassing bananas and dragon fruit to join the “billion-dollar export club” of the agriculture sector. Durian exports are expected to reach $1.5 billion within the next month.
It is worth highlighting that China is currently the largest importer of Vietnamese vegetables and fruits, with a total trade value of $2.3 billion in the first eight months of 2023, representing a 134% increase compared to the same period in 2022 and capturing 64% of market share. The surge in orders from this market of over 1.4 billion people has enabled Vietnam to achieve a record-breaking vegetable and fruit export value, with over three months left in the year.
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, attributes the substantial growth in vegetable and fruit exports to increased purchases by various countries, particularly the Chinese market.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, Vietnam’s fruit export volume is estimated to reach 4.1 million tons, the highest of the year. Traditionally, vegetable and fruit exports tend to peak in the final months of the year due to heightened market demand. Therefore, the abundant fruit supply will adequately meet the upcoming export orders.
Mr. Nguyen predicts that vegetable and fruit exports could exceed $5.5 billion by the end of this year. This remarkable achievement showcases Vietnam’s growing prominence in the global market for fresh produce.