According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnamese durian exports reached USD 387 million in the first five months of this year, a decrease of nearly 58 per cent year-over-year.
However, in May alone, exports surged 139 per cent from April, with shipments to the key Chinese market rebounding by nearly 208 per cent.
Notably, durian exports in June were estimated at USD 350-400 million, driving total fruit and vegetable exports to nearly USD 810 million, a 30.9 per cent increase from May and a 20.7 per cent year-over-year increase.
June's figures show that durian exports have returned to normal levels seen in 2024, said Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association. He projected that exports could reach USD 500-550 million per month during the peak season between September and October.
Nguyen added that China remains Vietnam's dominant durian export market, accounting for over 90 per cent of total export value. Since May, improved control of yellow spot disease and cadmium levels has helped streamline export operations.
Currently, top-grade Ri6 durians are selling for VND 52,000-65,000 per kilo, while bulk-grade fruit ranges from VND 25,000 to VND 30,000. Similarly, premium Monthong durians are priced at VND 72,000-90,000 per kilo, with bulk-grade selling for VND 32,000-50,000. With these prices, durian growers continue to earn healthy profits.
But Nguyen stated that durian prices are unlikely to return to their 2023-2024 peak, explaining that China remained the largest durian market, with supply on the rise.
