Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Vietnam’s durian exports to China plummeted by 80% in the first half of February 2025, with only 3,500 tonnes shipped, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).
This sharp decline has had a direct impact on Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export revenues, which stood at 416 million USD in January 2025, marking a 11.3% decrease month-on-month and a 5.2% drop year-on-year.
The primary reason behind the export slump is China’s stricter inspection measures for imported durians, particularly regarding cadmium and Auramine O (Basic Yellow 2 - BY2) residues. These tighter regulations were introduced after violations were found in Thai durians.
From early 2025, China has mandated residue testing for all shipments in accredited laboratories, significantly prolonging export procedures. The delays in testing have disrupted delivery schedules, leading to congestion at border gates. Some traders have resorted to grey-market exports, but this approach is unsustainable for the long-term stability of Vietnam’s durian industry.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien acknowledged that China’s stricter controls were aimed at ensuring food safety, but also posed significant challenges for exporters and farmers.
Phan Thi Men, CEO of Sutech Science and Technology Consulting Co., Ltd., said that due to the strict inspections, export volumes have plunged and some days, no shipments could be processed.
Vice Chairman of the Lang Son Provincial People’s Committee Doan Thanh Son emphasised that China had issued multiple warnings, urging Vietnamese exporters to improve quality control. However, many traders have yet to fully adapt, resulting in difficulties in meeting compliance standards.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Hoang Trung revealed that aside from the nine testing laboratories already recognised by China, six more have been submitted for approval to accelerate the export process. This effort comes as Vietnam’s durian and other fruit harvests peak.
Vietnam currently has around 169,000 hectares of durian plantations, more than double the area planned for 2030, which was estimated at 65,000–75,000 hectares. The proportion of durian plantations reaching harvestable maturity is also relatively high.
To address China’s additional food safety measures on Vietnamese fruit exports, MARD has instructed relevant agencies and local authorities to implement stricter quality management models. Particular emphasis is being placed on chemical use in plantations and packaging facilities to ensure compliance.
The Vietnamese Government is also negotiating with China to restore previous export regulations, aiming to ease inspection procedures and facilitate smoother customs clearance. Additionally, some exporters are seeking alternative markets to reduce over-reliance on China, ensuring a more stable and diversified export strategy for Vietnam’s durians.
Previously, Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) imposed a mandatory inspection on all fresh durian shipments from Vietnam from August 12, 2024, to February 11, 2025 due to four failed quality tests within six months./.
