Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable sector continued to face headwinds in Q2/2025, with fresh fruit exports taking the biggest hit.
Fresh durian exports slump amid China’s stricter inspection measures
According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT), exports in May 2025 reached approximately USD 496 million – a sharp 35.5% drop compared to the same month last year. This marked the fifth consecutive month of decline. In the first five months, total export value fell to around USD 2.1 billion, down 17.8% year-on-year.
The downturn was primarily driven by disruptions in the fresh durian segment – once a key growth engine – due to stricter import controls by China. These include tighter inspection of heavy metal residues (especially cadmium) and more rigorous quarantine protocols. In the first four months, fresh durian exports reached only USD 130 million, down 74% YoY, compared to over USD 500 million last year.
Frozen durian emerges as a promising export solution
Despite the decline in fresh exports, frozen durian has shown strong potential. In Q1/2025, Vietnam exported 8,710 tons of frozen durian, worth USD 31 million – a nearly 50% increase YoY. On May 30, 2025, Hanoi-based company Vina M&B successfully cleared customs at the Mong Cai border gate with a 22-ton frozen durian shipment to China. Many industry players expect frozen durian exports to reach USD 600–700 million this year.
In parallel, mango and coconut exports remained resilient. Mango exports surpassed USD 100 million (+27% YoY), while coconut exports reached USD 66 million (+18%). Processed fruit exports, including dried, canned, and frozen products, also grew significantly – Vietnam is now the 11th largest processed fruit supplier to the U.S., up 57% YoY.
Cold chain logistics and new market access are key to long-term growth
To overcome challenges in the fresh segment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has proactively expanded market access. In April 2025, Vietnam signed new protocols with China to allow exports of chili and passion fruit. Major trade events like the 2025 Southern Fruit Fair (June 1–5) continue to offer valuable promotion opportunities for Vietnamese produce.
As the fresh market becomes more volatile, deep processing and cold storage are proving to be essential for ensuring long-term growth. This opens up opportunities for cold logistics providers to play a key role in stabilizing Vietnam’s processed fruit value chain.
