Among the star performers in Vietnam's agricultural export basket, durian has emerged as the "king of fruits". Preliminary estimates from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association (VINAFRUIT) indicate that durian exports reached US$2.5 billion in the first nine months of the year, surpassing the previous annual record of $2.24 billion set in 2023. 

General Secretary Dang Phuc Nguyen of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association forecasts that Vietnam's durian exports will exceed $3 billion this year. As the main harvest season commences in the Central Highlands in October, coupled with the off-season harvests in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's durian supply will peak. 

Moreover, with competing producers like Thailand and Malaysia concluding their harvest seasons, Vietnamese durian is expected to command premium prices. Current farm-gate prices range from VND42,000 to VND 95,000 per kilogram, ensuring substantial profits for farmers. 

Although durian prices this year are slightly lower than the previous year, they have been more stable. This has facilitated smoother procurement and ensured the fulfillment of export orders. The superior quality and competitive pricing of Vietnamese durian compared to Thai products have boosted export volumes, particularly to the Chinese market. 

Source: SGGP News