According to the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), the export value of fruit and vegetables of Vietnam in May reached USD 600 million, an increase of 53% compared to April and an increase of 138% compared to May 2022. Accumulated over the first five months of this year, the export turnover of vegetables and fruits is estimated at USD 1.97 billion, an increase of 39% over the same period in 2022.

While many agricultural products showed signs of export decline, the fruit and vegetable industry alone continued to record a positive export growth rate. Most of the exported fruits and vegetables recorded good growth rates in the first four months of 2023.

Leading in terms of export value are fruit products with USD 921 million, an increase of 16% over the same period in 2022. In the structure of main export fruit categories, only dragon fruit and banana had a decrease in value in the first four months of 2023.

Durian fruit is mainly exported to the Chinese market, accounting for 84% of the total export value of this item.

According to the Import-Export Department, after Vietnam and China signed the official durian export protocol, durian fruit has been promoted to the Chinese market.

In addition to signing the official durian export protocol, Vietnam and China also signed the protocol on mangosteen and banana. In addition, Vietnam is negotiating to sign a protocol with China on other fruits such as dragon fruit, watermelon, lychee, longan, rambutan, and mango.

Along with that, Vietnam suggested that the Chinese side open more doors for other Vietnamese fruit and vegetable products such as: green-skinned pomelo, fresh coconut, avocado, lemon, pineapple, and star apple. This is an opportunity to promote the export of Vietnam's fruits.

In addition to the positive growth of fresh fruit products, processed products for export in the first four months of this year also recorded USD 356 million, an increase of 23% over the same period in 2022.

The category of processed products always maintains a good growth rate, even in the context of a decline in the fruit and vegetable industry in 2022. This is a category with great export potential, because of the current dietary needs of people around the world are increasing their consumption of processed fruits and vegetables.

Therefore, the Import-Export Department recommends that exporters should focus on taking advantage of this, contributing to increasing the export value of the fruit and vegetable industry in the upcoming period.

Kylie Nguyen