China continues to be the main and important market for Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports. Fruit and vegetable export turnover to this market accounts for more than 60% of Vietnam's total fruit and vegetable export turnover.

In August 2023, the export value to the Chinese market reached USD 266.3 million, an increase of 186.3% compared to August 2022. Overall, in the first eight months of 2023, the export value of fruits and vegetables to the Chinese market reached USD 2.3 billion, an increase of 134% over the same period in 2022. In addition, fruit and vegetable exports to markets such as Korea Republic, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates also recorded positive growth rates.

In addition, Vietnamese fruits and vegetables during this time were also actively promoted to export to the Australian market. In the first 6 months of 2023, Vietnam is the main supplier of mangoes, longans, lychees, and dragon fruits to Australia.

The US is considered a potential export market for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables and should be targeted, because in this market, the demand for imported fruits is high, with consumption of about 12 million tons of fruit, while domestic supply currently only meets 70% of domestic demand.

For the European market, the opportunity for Vietnamese fruits in this market is also high, because the market size accounts for 43% of global fruit and vegetable trade value. EU consumer demand is spread evenly throughout the year and depends largely on imports from outside.

Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export market has become vibrant again from the end of 2022, when the Chinese market reopens. In addition, the Protocols signed with China last year also contributed to opening up many opportunities for Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports. Free trade agreements (FTAs) such as CPTPP and EVFTA also create driving forces for Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports to make a breakthrough.

It is forecast that in the remaining 3 months of 2023, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export has huge potential, with a national output of about 7.6 million tons. This is Tet time and also the harvest season for many fruits and vegetables. This abundant fruit source is expected to well meet year-end export orders.

In particular, durian exports to China will continue to set new records, making durian a new product with an export value of over USD 1.7 billion.

According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen - General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association: "Fruit and vegetable exports can bring in more than USD 5.5 billion in 2023. In particular, durian exports to China will continue set a new record, making durian a new product with an export value of over USD 1.7 billion, contributing to the "billion dollar" commodity group of the agriculture industry.

Kylie Nguyen