Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable industry is set for continued expansion, supported by sustained double-digit export growth, rising demand from China, and government reforms aimed at easing trade procedures.China, the world’s largest fruit market and Vietnam’s biggest export destination for fruits and vegetables, continues to offer significant opportunities for Vietnamese exporters. Vietnam has now become China’s second-largest fruit supplier after Thailand, surpassing Chile, while emerging as a major competitor in the lucrative durian market. The country has also strengthened exports of bananas, fresh coconuts, longan, lychees, and other tropical fruits.According to Nguyen Thanh Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, fruit and vegetable exports to China have already exceeded US$5.5 billion, but considerable growth potential remains as Vietnamese products have yet to reach many regions across China.
Several fruits, including oranges, mandarins, custard apples, and avocados, are also expected to gain further opportunities once new phytosanitary agreements are finalized.Durian remains Vietnam’s fastest-growing export product. The country currently has around 192,000 hectares under durian cultivation, with production expected to increase from 1.8 million tonnes in 2025 to more than 2 million tonnes in 2026. Vietnamese durians are now exported to 28 international markets.Bananas are also seen as a key driver of future export growth. Although Vietnam ranks among the world’s top 10 banana exporters with export earnings of nearly US$419 million, industry leaders believe the country has the potential to achieve US$1 billion in banana exports by improving quality, expanding value-added processing, adopting modern technology, and strengthening sustainable production systems.Officials say China remains Vietnam’s most important market, with fruit and vegetable exports recording annual growth of 65–70 percent in recent years. However, exporters continue to face stricter international requirements on food safety, quality standards, and product traceability, along with rising production costs.To support the sector, the Vietnamese Government has introduced Resolution No. 36/2026/NQ-CP, simplifying procedures for obtaining growing-area and packing-house codes, which are mandatory for exporting many agricultural products.
The reforms are expected to reduce processing times, lower compliance costs, improve traceability, and provide a timely boost to exports, particularly during the peak durian harvest season.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is developing a national database for growing-area codes and working to expand official market access for more Vietnamese fruits in China, as well as in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and other high-value markets.With growing international demand, supportive government policies, and efforts to improve quality and market access, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector is well positioned for sustained export growth in the coming years.
