According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, in September, China spent nearly $1 billion importing Vietnamese durians. This showed an increase of 67.7% compared to August and accounted for 93% of Vietnam’s durian export value.
In the first nine months of 2025, Vietnamese durian exports brought in nearly $2.77 billion. In September alone, export value surged to $972 million. This value showed a sharp increase of 44.6% compared to the same month in 2024. Notably, it marked the highest monthly record to date.
China remained Vietnam’s largest traditional market, spending up to $960 million on the country’s “king of fruits” in September. As a result, the market made up 98.8% of total durian export value that month.
Vietnam’s durian
By the end of September 2025, Vietnam’s durian exports to China had reached $2.59 billion. As a result, the market made up 93.6% of the total export value of the country’s durian industry
Beyond China, Vietnam’s durian exports have begun expanding into a number of new markets. Exports to Hong Kong rose by 83.7% to $42.8 million. Meanwhile, Taiwan increased by 64.9% to $32 million. Papua New Guinea and the United States also recorded growth of 44.6% and 36.5%, respectively.
Malaysia drew attention with a surge of more than 650%, although the absolute export value remained relatively small. In contrast, Thailand saw a sharp decline of 74.5%, with export value dropping to only $33.9 million.
Frozen durian from Vietnam
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen is the General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association. He noted that Vietnamese durian is entering a new, more competitive phase that emphasizes quality and cultivation standards. Rather than expanding production volume, producers are now prioritizing product consistency and value.
If Vietnam keeps expanding certified growing areas and boosting investment in deep processing, it can stay the region’s top player. This would allow the country to target $3.5 billion in Vietnam’s durian exports this year.
If achieved, this would be a surprising result, given that durian exports have faced numerous challenges this year. Earlier this year, Chinese customs increased inspections for O-yellow substances and cadmium in imported durians. As a result, several Vietnamese shipments had to be sent back.
Loading Vietnamese durian
They failed to comply with the country’s quarantine and food safety regulations. To adjust their processes and prevent further rejections, exporters temporarily suspended shipments. As a consequence, export turnover fell, and farm-gate prices declined sharply.
Some domestic testing laboratories have temporarily halted operations for maintenance, creating ongoing risks for export activities. This has disrupted sampling and certification required for shipments to China.
In response, the government ordered agencies to determine the causes and fast-track licensing. It also stressed stronger supervision to restore inspection capacity and keep cargo moving.
Mr. Nguyen noted that despite these challenges, Vietnam’s durian export turnover is expected to exceed the record set in 2024. The growth is attributed to a significant increase in production.
Vietnamese source: https://doanhnghieptiepthi.vn/trung-quoc-chiem-hon-93-trong-tong-gia-tri-xuat-khau-sau-rieng-cua-viet-nam-161251102215537631.htm