Big potential for Vietnamese durian exports

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector is showing robust momentum in 2026, buoyed by consistently high export revenues. Durian remains the standout performer, driving the broader sector toward significant new milestones.

Vying for global leadership

By the end of 2025, Vietnam’s total durian cultivation area reached roughly 195,000 hectares - nearly triple the 70,000 hectares recorded in 2020. Annual production climbed in tandem, surging from 600,000 tonnes to 1.8 million tonnes over the same period.

According to estimates from the Plant Production and Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, national durian output is expected to top 2 million tonnes in 2026. While expanded supply has tempered domestic prices, trade flows remain exceptionally strong, driving a sharp increase in total export value.

Customs data reveals that in July 2026 alone, durian exports generated nearly $681 million, an 81% year-on-year surge. Cumulative earnings for the first seven months reached nearly $1.8 billion, up 47% compared to the same period in 2025.

A market report from the Ministry of Industry and Trade estimates August fruit and vegetable exports at $1.1 billion, with durian accounting for a commanding 37% of the total revenue.

Mr Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT), noted that back-to-back monthly earnings exceeding $1 billion represent an extraordinary achievement for the sector, propelled primarily by durian’s breakout performance.

He expects September to set further records as the main harvest peaks in the Central Highlands, notably across Dak Lak and Lam Dong provinces. This harvest coincides with the tail end of Thailand's summer crop, granting Vietnamese produce a distinct competitive edge in global markets. Export revenues for September alone are forecast to surpass $1 billion.

Should favorable trade conditions persist, analysts suggest Vietnam could soon overtake Thailand to become the world’s leading durian exporter.

Refining the value chain

In late August, China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) accredited a further 401 growing area codes and 166 packaging facility codes for Vietnamese durian, bringing the nation's total GACC-approved growing area codes to 1,917. This extensive approval significantly bolsters Vietnam's official supply capacity ahead of the Central Highlands peak season.

Recent weeks have brought additional regulatory breakthroughs across markets with billion-plus populations. On August 5, the GACC authorized 50 Vietnamese testing facilities to inspect export shipments for cadmium and Auramine O, expanding daily testing capacity to between 10,000 and 13,000 samples.

Meanwhile, India updated its import regulations in mid-July, formally granting Vietnamese fresh durian access to its market of 1.4 billion consumers.

Driven by strong market sentiment, export revenues are expected to remain elevated through October. The Ministry of Industry and Trade projects earnings of $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion over the final four months of the year, putting the full-year target of $4.5 billion well within reach.

However, experts caution that long-term dominance requires structural reform. Mr Nguyen highlighted that between 2027 and 2030, the sector must transition from rapid yield expansion to quality control, value-chain optimization, and market consolidation.

During this next phase, Vietnam’s durian export mix is set to evolve significantly. The share of unprocessed fresh fruit will naturally decline as frozen products, including whole pods, separated pulp, and value-added items, rise to account for an estimated 30% to 40% of total export value.

Full digital traceability will become standard practice across the supply chain, with strict compliance on cadmium limits, pesticide residues, and GlobalGAP certifications serving as non-negotiable prerequisites for retaining export credentials.