Unprecedented Demand Drives Durian Prices Up

In Tien Giang Province, located in the Mekong Delta region, traders are now purchasing Monthong durian for as much as VND200,000 (US$7.85) per kilogram. This marks a significant 54% increase from the prices at the end of last month, as reported by Phap Luat newspaper.

China's Lunar New Year Demand

Dang Phuc Nguyen, the general secretary of the Vietnam Fruits & Vegetables Association, attributes this surge in prices to the high demand from China, especially with the Lunar New Year holiday approaching.

Vietnam Stands Alone in Durian Production

With most durian farms in the Mekong Delta region already sold out, Vietnam remains the sole producer of fresh durian. Other major producers like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines have exhausted their supplies.

Off-Season Yield and Export Records

Nguyen estimates the current off-season durian yield to be worth $100 million, starting last month and ending in March. This figure represents about a quarter of the main season's yield. Furthermore, Vietnam's fruits and vegetables exports, significantly boosted by durian, have hit a new record of $7.2 billion this year, according to government estimates.

Other Varieties Also See Price Increases

Not just Monthong, but other durian varieties like Ri6 have also experienced price hikes, selling for up to VND135,000 per kilogram, a 59% increase from last month.

Tien Giang boasts nearly 21,800 hectares of durian farms with an annual capacity of 386,700 tons.