Vietnamese longan enhances its value and expands into global markets

In 2026, Hung Yen longan is expected to produce more than 50,000 metric tons, with over 60% of the output meeting VietGAP and organic certification standards. This presents an important opportunity for Vietnamese longan to strengthen its position in international markets. It also increases the value of the product through effective supply chain management and coordinated trade promotion efforts.

Hung Yen Province has approximately 5,800 hectares of longan orchards, of which 15–20% are planted with premium varieties such as Duong Phen longan and Cui Co longan. These specialty cultivars are concentrated in Hong Chau, Tan Hung, Duc Hop, Hong Quang, Khoai Chau, Chau Ninh, and Trieu Viet Vuong.

According to Truong Quoc Tran, Chairman of the Tan Hung Commune People’s Committee, Tan Hung has the largest longan-growing area in the province, covering 330 hectares. Of this, 240 hectares have been certified under VietGAP. The commune is home to 13 cooperatives and two cooperative groups. They engage in the production and marketing of fresh longans as well as processed products, including dried longan, lotus-filled dried longan, and longan honey.

The commune’s total longan production is estimated at 10,000 metric tons, including approximately 5,000 metric tons of dried longan products. Hung Yen organizes its harvest into three distinct periods: early-season longans (before July 30, accounting for 10% of output), main-season longans (August 1–30, 50%), and late-season longans (August 30–September 20, 40%). According to Nguyen Le Huy, Vice Chairman of the Hung Yen Provincial People’s Committee, this harvesting schedule extends the supply season. It helps prevent market oversupply, stabilize prices, and reduce peak-season pressure.

Meanwhile, export markets continue to impose increasingly stringent requirements. Bui Quang Hung, Deputy Director General of the Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, noted that China, the largest export market with annual demand of approximately 700,000 metric tons, is shifting from border trade to official import channels. As a result, exported longans must now comply with requirements for registered growing area codes, standardized packaging, and proper labeling.

Other key markets also maintain high standards. Japan and South Korea require strict compliance with limits on pesticide residues, as well as precise packaging specifications and quality standards. The United States and the European Union prioritize organic products, full traceability, and internationally recognized certifications. ASEAN countries and the Middle East represent promising growth markets due to their proximity and diverse consumer demand. However, exporters must still ensure consistent product quality and reliable supply chains. At the same time, global consumer preferences are shifting toward value-added processed products, including dried longans, frozen longans, longan juice, and longan jam. This increases the need for advanced processing technology, cold storage facilities, and modern distribution centers.

Strategies to elevate Vietnamese longan in global markets

In 2025, Hung Yen Province expects to harvest more than 50,000 metric tons of longans. To capitalize on this opportunity, the province has implemented coordinated supply chain management and trade promotion initiatives. At the 2025 Longan and Agricultural Products Trade Promotion Conference, 12 enterprises and cooperatives signed cooperation agreements. These strengthened sustainable linkages among growers, distributors, processors, and e-commerce platforms.

According to Bui Quang Hung, the province should continue to:

• Strengthen longan branding through integrated marketing campaigns across traditional and digital platforms.
• Standardize production under VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and organic certification, while expanding the area covered by export-approved growing area codes.
• Diversify products and promote value-added processing, ranging from fresh longans to dried longans, longan juice, and other processed products.
• Invest in cold storage systems and modern distribution centers to establish an integrated agricultural supply chain connecting Hung Yen with the Red River Delta and other regions nationwide.

These measures will not only increase product value and extend the marketing season. They will also strengthen consumer confidence at home and abroad, further enhancing the global reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products.

Hung Yen has also actively organized Longan Festivals and Longan Promotion Weeks in major Vietnamese cities and overseas markets. By integrating QR-code traceability, these events both strengthen the product’s brand identity and promote the distinctive cultural heritage of Vietnam’s Northern Delta.

With an expected harvest exceeding 50,000 metric tons, more than 60% of production certified under VietGAP or organic standards, and coordinated strategies for supply chain management, trade promotion, and value-added processing, Hung Yen longan is steadily advancing toward becoming a globally recognized agricultural brand. Effective supply chain management, investment in processed products, and strong branding will be essential for Vietnamese agricultural products to strengthen their position in international markets. They will also increase both their economic and cultural value.