Vietnam's durian exports to China reached only around USD120–130 million in the first four months of 2025
According to a report presented at a meeting on May 8, organised by the Ministry, Vietnam's durian exports to China reached only around USD120–130 million in the first four months of 2025, with an estimated export volume of 35,000 tonnes, just 20% of the annual target. In contrast, durian export revenues during the same period in 2024 exceeded USD500 million.
The Ministry attributed the dramatic drop to the lack of a clear legal framework and quarantine procedures. It also acknowledged delays in state management related to quality control and food safety.
Furthermore, the processes for granting planting area codes, approving packaging facilities, and establishing laboratory systems have not kept pace with China's increasingly stringent import requirements. While China remains a key market for Vietnamese durian, it is also fraught with risks without thorough preparation.
Since late 2024, China has imposed stricter inspection measures, particularly focusing on residue levels of the banned substance Auramine O and Cadmium in exported durian.
In response, Minister Do Duc Duy introduced a set of urgent and comprehensive measures to address immediate challenges and lay a foundation for the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s durian industry.
Minister Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy speaks at the meeting.
In the short term, the Ministry will closely coordinate with China’s General Administration of Customs to resolve technical obstacles hindering exports. It also plans to expedite the issuance of planting area codes, approve more packaging facilities, and certify testing laboratories serving export activities.
In addition, a new phytosanitary inspection protocol specific to durian will be issued promptly. This will provide a basis for reassessing export capacity and adjusting strategic plans accordingly.
For the long term, Minister Duy called for a complete overhaul of the legal framework governing agricultural exports. He emphasized the need for clearer regulations on planting area codes, packaging facility standards, product testing, and inspection procedures.
He also urged the establishment and standardization of technical criteria covering production, harvesting, processing, and export. Reorienting the durian industry toward sustainable development is now seen as an urgent priority.
To enhance product value, the Minister encouraged investment in deep processing technologies, particularly for frozen durian products.