In 2022, the export turnover of vegetables and fruits reached USD 3.4 billion, a decrease of 5% compared to 2021. The Import-Export Department forecasts that the export of this item will be better in 2023 when China relaxes its Zero COVID policy and grants "visas" for many types of Vietnamese vegetables and fruits.

The data of the General Department of Customs shows that the export value of vegetables and fruits of Vietnam in December 2022 reached USD 312.5 million, increased by 2% compared to November 2022 and increased by 5.9% compared to December 2021. For the whole year of 2022, the export turnover of vegetables and fruits reached USD 3.4 billion, decreased by 5% compared to 2021.

China's "Zezo COVID" policy in 2022 has greatly affected the production and business of vegetables and fruits of Vietnam. However, in the last month of 2022, China loosened its "Zezo COVID" policy, therefore the situation got better.

Accordingly, the export value of vegetables and fruits to the Chinese market in December 2022 reached USD 159 million, an increase of 7% over the same period in 2021. Products such as durian, dragon fruit, banana, etc. have been exported to the Chinese market.

Recently, the two sides signed a Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for Vietnamese sweet potatoes imported into China, which will open up opportunities for Vietnam's sweet potato exports to the Chinese market.

The good growth of fruit and vegetable exports to the Chinese market will contribute to promoting the positive growth of Vietnam's fruit and vegetable industry.

In addition, the demand in markets also increased during the year-end festival, therefore the value of Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports to markets such as Korea Republic, Taiwan, and the Netherlands, etc. also grew well in December 2022.

Fruit and vegetable exports in 2023 would prosper thanks to factors such as Vietnam's largest fruit and vegetable import market, China, which reopens after a long time of applying the "Zero COVID-19" policy.

In 2022, China officially allows Vietnam's durian, passion fruit and sweet potato to be officially exported; Besides, other fruits such as dragon fruit, mango, banana, etc. will also be imported by China, because the country has just experienced a drought, and many cultivated areas are affected.

Along with that, with the policy of multilateralization and market diversification, the fruit and vegetable industry will also grow more positively in 2023. In which, the US and markets in the EU have a large import demand for vegetables and fruits, but Vietnam only provides a small proportion, therefore the opportunity to expand to these markets is huge.

Kylie Nguyen