Vietnam's Durian Exports Face a Significant Decline in October

Vietnam's durian exports experienced a substantial drop in October, with shipments to key markets such as China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea falling by significant margins, according to recent customs data.

China, the largest export market for Vietnamese durians, slashed its imports by 70% from September, while other markets saw declines ranging from 40-56%. Notably, Cambodia, which had been increasing its imports earlier in the year, did not purchase any durians from Vietnam in October.

The total value of durian exports during the month was just $212 million, representing a 68.4% decrease from September and a 40% drop compared to the same period last year. China accounted for $190 million of this total.

Climate Change and Supply Issues Impact Durian Production

Dang Phuc Nguyen, the general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, attributed the sharp decline to climate change affecting durian yield and quality, as well as a supply squeeze due to the premature end of the Central Highlands' main harvest season, which typically runs from August to October.

Off-season fruit harvested in some regions, including the Mekong Delta, did not meet export quality standards due to extreme weather conditions such as prolonged rains and intense heat, which prevented trees from sustaining flowers or even producing them in some cases.

Only 30-50% of trees in the Mekong Delta have yielded off-season fruits so far, further exacerbating the supply issue.

Revised Export Forecasts and Future Challenges

The low off-season output means that exports might not meet the $3.5 billion target for full-year 2024, according to Nguyen. Revised forecasts now estimate fruit and vegetable exports at $7 billion this year, with durian accounting for $3.2 billion.

Vietnam has around 154,000 hectares under durian cultivation, with an annual output of nearly 1.2 million tons. Last year, it shipped 500,000 tons of durian worth over $2.2 billion, with 90% going to China.

Experts suggest that for sustainable growth, the durian industry must address climate change challenges and reduce its dependence on the Chinese market by targeting new markets such as the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.