Durian prices in Vietnam have fallen sharply, leaving many growers facing losses as farm-gate prices drop below production costs.
Traders are buying Ri6 durians at VND 18,000-VND 25,000 (USD 0.70-USD 0.97) per kilogrammes, around one-third of levels seen a month ago, according to growers in the Mekong Delta region.
Nguyen Van Trung, director of Chanh An Cooperative in Vinh Long Province, said he had yet to sell more than three tonnes of ripe Ri6 durians because offers of VND 18,000 per kilogrammes would leave him losing VND 8,000-VND 10,000 per kilogrammes.
He said production costs for commercial-grade durian ranged from VND 25,000 to VND 27,000 per kilogrammes, adding that prices had never fallen this sharply at the start of the main harvest season.
Other farmers in the province reported difficulties finding buyers, with some forced to sell small quantities at retail prices after traders halted purchases.
Growers attributed the slump to weaker export demand and heightened competition from Thai durians during the peak harvest season.
Traders said Vietnamese-grown Monthong and Dona durians continued to fetch more than VND 60,000 per kilogrammes, significantly above Ri6 prices.
Local authorities said Vinh Long Province has more than 8,100 hectares of durian cultivation, including over 4,100 hectares currently in production, with annual output exceeding 62,000 tonnes.
Agricultural officials have urged farmers to join cooperatives and strengthen links with businesses to secure more stable market access.