DFNet

January 30, 2026 | vnExpress |

Vietnam’s durian exports to China rose about 17% in 2025, reaching US$3.44 billion, after the country resolved earlier phytosanitary issues and strengthened its competitive position in China’s high-value durian market. While Thailand remained the largest supplier with exports of around US$4 billion, its shipments were largely flat, allowing Vietnam to rapidly gain market share. Within just three years of formally entering the Chinese market in 2020, Vietnam’s share has surged to over 40%.

Analysts attribute Vietnam’s success to close cooperation with Chinese authorities to address food safety concerns, as well as logistical advantages such as a shared land border, shorter transport routes, and a well-developed export infrastructure. These factors helped reduce costs and delivery times compared with competitors like Thailand and Malaysia.

Although China tightened inspections in early 2025 after detecting chemical residues in some Vietnamese durians, demand remained strong. Vietnamese durians continued to appeal to Chinese buyers due to their competitive pricing and steady availability. With China accounting for over 90% of global durian imports, Vietnam’s rapid rise is reshaping the regional durian trade and challenging Thailand’s long-standing dominance.

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