May 02, 2024 | SGGP |
Dragon fruit prices are on the rise in Vietnamese provinces like Binh Thuan, Tien Giang, and Long An. Type-1 dragon fruits are now fetching over VND40,000 (US$1.57)/kg, while type-2 and type-3 fruits are sold between VND35,000-38,000 (US$1.38-1.50)/kg and VND30,000-33,000 (US$1.18-1.30)/kg, respectively, marking a significant increase from previous months.
The spike in prices is attributed to heightened demand, particularly driven by increased fruit imports in China. This surge in demand has led to profits of nearly VND20,000 (US$0.79)/kg for dragon fruit garden owners. However, the supply of dragon fruits is scarce due to adverse weather conditions such as drought and lack of water irrigation, impacting fruit output.
Despite these challenges, Vietnamese dragon fruit exports continue, catering to markets beyond China, including Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.
Conversely, coffee prices in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam have also surged. Lam Dong province's coffee is trading at VND129,300 (US$5.09)/kg, while Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and Gia Lai provinces are trading at VND130,500 (US$5.14)/kg, VND130,500 (US$5.14)/kg, and VND129,500 (US$5.10)/kg, respectively. Despite water scarcity affecting various planting areas, the rise in coffee prices reflects ongoing demand for the commodity.
