July 08, 2024 | Viet Nam News |
Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports have thrived in 2024, yielding $3.4 billion in the first half, a 28% rise year-on-year, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). Key contributors include durian, dragon fruit, banana, and longan, with shipments to major markets like China, Thailand, and South Korea increasing by 10-50%.
China alone imported $1.7 billion worth of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, marking a 33% increase compared to last year. The Việt Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT) anticipates sustained export growth, buoyed by ample domestic supply and rising demand in both established and emerging markets.
The peak harvest season for durian and dragon fruit, crucial exports, is approaching, promising further market expansion. Vietnam aims to capitalize on reduced global supply of dragon fruit due to adverse weather in other producing regions, boosting its market share in Europe and North America.
Efforts to enhance fruit quality include expanding cultivation areas under Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP). For instance, Bình Thuận province plans to increase VietGAP-certified dragon fruit cultivation to 10,500 hectares by year-end.
Despite challenges like a significant decline in lychee output in Bắc Giang province, Vietnam's fruit quality remains high, supported by technological advancements and strategic trade promotions. The issuance of production and packaging unit codes has bolstered the reputation of Vietnamese produce, facilitating exports to diverse markets including the EU, Japan, Australia, the US, and Canada.
Overall, Vietnam's agricultural sector continues to thrive amidst global challenges, with fruit and vegetable exports playing a pivotal role in economic growth and international trade relations.
