Overview

Vietnam has seen a significant increase in its fruit and vegetable exports to the United States, marking a 39% rise, with coconuts, dragon fruit, mango, and almond leading the charge. This growth is attributed to the large Vietnamese communities in major US cities, despite the geographical challenges and stringent US import standards.

Export Highlights

Nearly $78 million worth of coconuts were exported, showing a 54% increase. Dragon fruit exports rose by 32%, while mango and almond exports surged by 3.2 and 4.5 times, respectively. However, durian shipments experienced a decline of 34%.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the steady growth, the geographical distance and the US's unreasonable demands, such as the requirement for local facilities and representatives, pose significant challenges. Additionally, farms and processors must adhere to strict standards and obtain numerous certifications like GlobalGAP, ISO, HACCP, and USDA, with zero tolerance for pesticide residues, bacteria, or mold.

Future Directions

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association is urging businesses to adopt advanced technologies, including fruit freezing, bio-preservatives, safe packaging, and optimized logistics, to enhance competitiveness, reduce costs, and maintain quality.