Vietnam’s frozen durian exports triple in H1
A Chinese delegation is scheduled to inspect Vietnam’s durian supply chain from July 12th–17th, a move expected to further bolster trade confidence
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam’s exports of frozen durian surged threefold in the first half of 2025, reaching 14,282 tons, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE).
This remarkable growth comes as China prepares to conduct a crucial on-site inspection of Vietnam’s durian production chain from July 12 to 17, a move that could strengthen trade between the two countries.
The upcoming inspection by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) follows high-level talks in May led by Do Duc Duy, Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Environment.
The visit aims to verify Vietnam’s compliance with strict food safety standards, particularly regarding pesticide residues and heavy metal contamination, after several shipments were rejected earlier this year.
Fresh durian exports are expected to increase significantly during the main crop season, which begins in August. Photo: Do Huong/VGP
Meanwhile, Vietnam has taken significant steps to prepare for the inspection, including digitizing data for all 1,396 approved growing areas and 188 packaging facilities. The country has also expanded its testing capacity, with 24 laboratories now certified to test for cadmium and 14 for gold O.
These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to rebuild confidence in Vietnamese durian exports following challenges in early 2025.
The frozen segment’s explosive growth highlights a strategic shift in Vietnam’s approach. The surge follows the signing of a new protocol for frozen durian exports to China in August 2024 and increased investment in processing facilities and cold storage infrastructure.
Industry experts predict a potential recovery for fresh durian exports in the third quarter, coinciding with the peak harvest season from August to October. However, officials emphasize that sustained growth depends on continued compliance with international food safety standards.
Vietnam's MAE has drafted new regulations to strengthen quality control and traceability throughout the production chain. These measures, combined with China’s recent approval of over 1,000 additional growing area codes, suggest brighter prospects for Vietnam’s durian industry in the second half of 2025.
