Durian was the fastest-growing export to China among fruits in the first two months of this year, rising by 291% year-on-year to US$56.9 million.

Besides, it accounted for 83% of fruit exports to that country, according to a report by the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Overall exports of fruits grew by 7.7% to $377.4 million.

Other fruits whose exports grew strongly were water melon (up 98%), jackfruit (61%) and mango (14%).

The trade agency said the increase in exports is a positive sign considering the decline in global consumption due to inflation.

Besides China, the E.U. is also a market with great potential, accounting for 43% of the global fruit and vegetable market, it said.

The bloc’s trade pact with Vietnam, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which removes up to 94% of taxes on fruits and vegetables -- the rates used to be 10-20% -- enables Vietnam to be more competitive than Thailand and China.

VnExpress