China's Warning to Vietnam Over Agricultural Exports

Vietnam’s Plant Protection Department has recently been alerted by China's General Administration of Customs regarding the non-compliance of certain agricultural shipments. This issue not only poses a significant risk to the reputation and brand name of Vietnamese agricultural products in international markets but also calls for immediate action from local authorities and relevant agencies to enhance inspection and oversight.

Durian are seen in Tien Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Nam

Increased Scrutiny on Vietnamese Durian by the E.U.

Following the discovery of pesticide residues exceeding E.U. standards, the European Union has escalated its inspections of Vietnamese durian imports from 10% to 20% starting January 8. This move underscores the growing concerns over the safety and quality of agricultural exports from Vietnam.

Combating Fraud in Durian Exports

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association has issued an urgent notice against the use of fake cultivation area and packing facility codes for durian exports. Fraudulent activities, including the use of fake authorization contracts, seals, and signatures, have been employed to deceive buyers and bypass authorities, facilitating unauthorized exports to China.

Impact on Vietnam's Durian Market

Last year, China returned several batches of Vietnamese durian contaminated with cadmium, a heavy metal harmful to human kidneys and lungs. This incident led to a temporary decline in Vietnamese durian prices. Despite these challenges, Vietnam's durian export revenue in 2024 reached $3.3 billion, marking a significant increase of over $1 billion compared to the previous year. Durian exports accounted for nearly 50% of the country's total fruit and vegetable exports, with 90% of shipments destined for China.