VIETNAM’S FRUITS AND VEGETABLES “OVERCOME CHALLENGES”: EXPORT VALUE REACHES 4.6 BILLION USD IN 8 MONTHS

What factors have helped Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports maintain a value of 4.6 billion USD in the first eight months of 2025?

Vietnam’s fruits and vegetables “overcome challenges” amid export market fluctuations

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports are showing positive signs of recovery despite fluctuations in demand and prices across major markets. According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the export value of fruits and vegetables in August 2025 is estimated at 759 million USD, down more than 11% compared to the same period last year. However, in total for the first eight months, the industry still exported over 4.6 billion USD, only a slight decrease of 2% compared to 2024.

This recovery reflects the flexible adaptability of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector, especially in key export categories such as durian, dragon fruit, banana, coconut, and processed products.

The U.S. - The brightest spot in Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports

While many traditional markets such as China, South Korea, and Thailand recorded sharp declines, the U.S. market increased its imports of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables by 67% compared to the same period last year. Specifically, the export value to the U.S. reached 316 million USD, making it one of the fastest-growing markets in the first eight months of 2025.

Fruit and vegetable exports to Europe and the Americas have surged. Photo: Internet

Popular products among U.S. consumers include bananas, guavas, dragon fruit, fresh coconuts, and processed products made from mango and coconut. This indicates that the U.S. market is gradually opening up to Vietnam’s tropical agricultural products, particularly those that meet safety standards and have clear traceability.

The strong growth in the U.S. not only helps offset declines in Asian markets but also opens a new direction for Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export industry in the coming period.

Durian - The “star” driving export recovery

According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, durian is the biggest driving force helping the export value of fruits and vegetables nearly catch up with last year’s figure. It is currently the largest export item in Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector, making a significant contribution to the industry’s overall value.

At present, durian is entering its peak harvest season in the Southeast and Central Highlands, the country’s largest growing regions. Thanks to compliance with technical standards and import regulations from China, durian exports are proceeding smoothly.

Fruit and vegetable exports to China. Photo: Internet

Mr. Doan Van Ven, General Director of Anh Thu Dak Lak Co., Ltd., shared: “Since August, our company has resumed exports to China with faster customs clearance procedures. The inspection stages, especially for the zero-gold index and cadmium levels, have also become much more convenient”.

The recovery of durian exports has not only boosted Vietnam’s overall fruit and vegetable exports but has also helped other fruits such as banana, mango, coconut, and dragon fruit gain access to more potential markets.

Asian markets still hold a large share but see double - digit declines

Although the U.S. recorded impressive growth, many Asian markets are still in a phase of import adjustment. Specifically, fruit and vegetable exports to China, South Korea, and Thailand have decreased by 15 - 40% compared to the same period last year.

Fresh fruits and vegetables at a booth in the U.S. Photo: Internet

This decline is mainly due to fluctuating consumer demand, stricter phytosanitary regulations, and price competition pressure from other supplying countries in the region. However, experts believe this is only a temporary phase, as Vietnamese enterprises are actively adjusting their production, processing, and preservation processes to better meet the import requirements of international partners.

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports expected to surpass 7 billion USD in 2025

With growing demand from the U.S. and other high-end markets, along with the strong recovery of durian exports, many experts forecast that Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export value in 2025 could exceed 7 billion USD, surpassing the 2024 figure.

This is a positive signal for Vietnam’s export growth, reflecting the competitiveness and adaptability of Vietnamese agricultural products amid changing global market conditions. Additionally, expanding into high-standard markets such as the U.S., Japan, and South Korea will help enhance product value, rather than relying mainly on raw exports as before.

Conclusion

The results from the first eight months of 2025 indicate that Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export sector is steadily recovering despite global uncertainties. The U.S. market has emerged as a new bright spot, helping balance trade performance and driving long-term growth.

In the broader picture, durian continues to serve as a strategic product, leading the recovery across the sector. With a clear orientation toward quality improvement, market expansion, and deep processing, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable industry is fully capable of achieving over 7 billion USD in export value in 2025, affirming its position on the global agricultural map.