Trinh Thanh Tung, director of Dang Khoi Agricultural Produce Co in Ho Chi Minh City, said supply had improved since early March after weeks of scarcity before the Lunar New Year. The company harvested more than 1.5 tonnes of Musang King on February 28 and several additional tonnes on March 2.
Despite the increase in output, farm gate prices remain high and continue to edge up amid limited supply and strong demand. With Thailand, Malaysia and Laos out of season, Vietnam is currently the sole major exporter.
Tight supply has led some traders to ease quality standards and accept unlimited quantities. Retailers, however, remain cautious, noting that off season fruit can be less consistent in quality and that high input costs raise the risk of losses.
Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said supply remains constrained while demand is robust, particularly in China, Vietnam’s largest market, where post holiday festivals have boosted consumption.
Dang Khoi is wholesaling Grade A Musang King at VND 190,000 to VND 200,000 per kilogramme and Grade B at VND 170,000 to VND 180,000. Huynh Lam raised prices on February 27, with Ri6 at VND 130,000 per kilogramme, up VND 25,000 from before Tet, while Sau Huu sells for VND 170,000 and Musang King from VND 180,000, both above pre holiday levels.
If current momentum continues, exports could exceed USD 1 billion in the first quarter, potentially allowing Vietnam to overtake Thailand as the world’s largest durian exporter in 2026.
Experts have cautioned against rapid expansion, noting that durian cultivation requires significant investment and technical expertise. The planted area has surpassed 183,000 hectares, roughly double the original plan, raising concerns about future oversupply.
Farmers also face weather related risks. Unseasonal rains in late February in Dong Nai disrupted flowering. “Durian can be highly profitable, but the risks are substantial,” said farmer Bui Huu Nghia.
