After falling steadily in recent months durian exports jumped by 70% last month from May to US$360 million, according to Vietnam customs.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said durian exports have regained momentum since May and June data shows that shipment of the fruit has stabilized.

Nguyen Dinh Tung, chairman of major exporter Vina T&T Group, highlighted the role of frozen durian in this rebound.

His company exports around 20 containers of frozen durian to China each month.

"If businesses invest properly in the freezing process, Vietnamese durians will have a significant advantage in the Chinese market," he said, noting that frozen exports mitigate risks caused by unpredictable weather and ensure better quality control.

Traders also reported a jump in Chinese demand for Vietnamese durian.

"From June the volume of durians purchased by businesses for export has increased two to three times compared to earlier months," Hoang, a durian trader based in the southeast, said.

Vietnamese exporters have made strides in meeting China’s quality requirements, such as preventing cadmium residues, which previously led to rejections.

Many exporters now require farms and traders to conduct quality tests before procurement, which has increased acceptance rates.

Durian is now in the harvest season in the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands.

Nguyen predicted that during the peak harvest season in September and October, durian exports could reach $500-550 million per month if the current trajectory persists.

But he cautioned that prices are unlikely to return to their 2023-2024 highs due to the increasing global supply.

Alongside Thailand and Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos are now exporting the fruit to China through official channels.

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association is optimistic about the remainder of 2025, expecting continued strong performance in fruit and vegetable exports, particularly frozen durians and coconuts.

Exports for the year could reach US$6.5-7 billion, which is close to last year’s record value.

Source: VnExpress