Exploring the Vietnam Durian Export Data: Vietnam aims for $5 billion of Durian Exports in 2025

Vietnam’s durian exports hit $3.3B in 2024, targeting $5B by 2025. Explore export data, key markets, challenges, and China’s role in the trade.

Exploring the Vietnam Durian Export Data: Vietnam aims for $5 billion of Durian Exports in 2025

In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as a major player in the global durian market. With its favorable climate and growing demand for exotic fruits, Vietnam has set its sights on becoming a key exporter of durian by 2025. According to the Vietnam export data and Vietnam Durian Export Data, the total Vietnam durian export value reached $3.3 billion in 2024, a 2% increase from the previous year. Among Vietnam's fruits and vegetables, durian was the biggest export in 2024, bringing in a record 3.3 billion USD and making up 46% of the industry's overall export value. China was the biggest export market for durian from Vietnam, purchasing 97% of the durians, valued at USD 3.2 billion.

However, Vietnam’s durian exports fell precipitously to just 183 million USD in the first four months of 2025, a 60.9% year-over-year decline. Greater quality checks by Chinese authorities, especially with regard to pesticide residues and greater implementation of traceability regulations, have been widely blamed for the fall. According to the global trade data, Vietnam is the 2nd largest durian exporter in the world. Let's take a closer look at the country's durian export data and the ambitious goal of reaching $5 billion in durian exports by 2025.

The Rise of Vietnam's Durian Export Industry

Vietnam's durian industry has seen significant growth in recent years, fueled by increasing demand from both domestic and international markets. The country's tropical climate provides the perfect conditions for durian cultivation, leading to high-quality fruit that is in high demand globally. In the worldwide durian industry, Vietnam has emerged as a new high, with exports valued at US$3.3 billion in 2024.

Recent Vietnam customs data indicate that the country's durian exports, which make up about half of its entire fruit and vegetable export value, increased 7.8 times compared to 2022. Due in large part to the great demand from China, where durian is regarded as a premium fruit and an inventive culinary element, this accomplishment has been achieved. Chinese durian imports reached 1.53 million tons in November 2024, valued at $6.83 billion, a 9.4% rise from the previous year. Vietnam held 47% of this profitable sector, only behind Thailand, which held the top spot.

Vietnam Durian Export by Country: Where Does Vietnam Export Durian Fruit?

Vietnam is well-known for its delicious and exotic fruits, with durian being one of the most popular exports. Durian is often referred to as the "king of fruits" due to its unique taste and smell. Vietnam is a key player in the global durian export market, and the country exports its renowned durian fruit to various countries around the world.

Some of the top destinations for Vietnam's durian exports include China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea. These countries have a strong demand for durian due to its unique taste and aroma, making Vietnam a preferred supplier in the international durian trade. As per the Vietnam durian export statistics, the top 10 export destinations for durian fruit exports from Vietnam in 2024-25 include:

Vietnam Durian Export by Country

1. China: $3.20 billion

China is the largest importer of Vietnamese durian, with imports totaling a staggering $3.20 billion, accounting for 97% of Vietnamese durian exports in 2024, as per the customs data on Vietnam durian exports to China. The Chinese market has a strong demand for durian due to its popularity among consumers. Vietnam has been able to capitalize on this demand by exporting a large quantity of durian to China.

2. Hong Kong: $20.43 million

Hong Kong is another significant market for Vietnamese durian exports, with a total value of $20.43 million in 2024-25 as per the data on Vietnam durian exports to Hong Kong by HS code. The proximity of Hong Kong to Vietnam makes it an attractive destination for durian exports, as the fruit can be shipped quickly and efficiently to Hong Kong markets.

3. Taiwan: $16.21 million

Taiwan is a growing market for Vietnamese durian exports, with a total value of $16.21 million. Taiwanese consumers have developed a taste for durian in recent years, leading to an increase in demand for the fruit. Vietnam has been able to establish itself as a reliable source of high-quality durian for the Taiwanese market.

4. USA: $11.16 million

The United States is also a major importer of Vietnamese durian, with imports totaling $11.16 million. The American market has shown a growing interest in exotic fruits like durian, leading to an increase in imports from Vietnam. Vietnamese durian is prized for its unique flavor and quality, making it a popular choice among American consumers.

5. Czech Republic: $9.68 million

The Czech Republic may come as a surprise on this list, but it is a significant market for Vietnamese durian exports, with a total value of $9.68 million. The demand for exotic fruits in the Czech Republic has been on the rise, leading to an increase in durian imports from Vietnam. Vietnamese durian is highly sought after in the Czech market for its delicious taste and aroma.

6. Canada: $5.47 million

Canada is another important importer of Vietnamese durian, with imports totaling $5.47 million. Canadian consumers have shown a growing interest in exotic fruits like durian, making Vietnam a preferred source for high-quality durian. The convenience of shipping durian from Vietnam to Canada has also contributed to the increase in exports.

7. Japan: $1.63 million

Japan is a relatively smaller market for Vietnamese durian exports, with a total value of $1.63 million. However, the Japanese market has a strong demand for premium fruits like durian, leading to a steady increase in imports from Vietnam. Vietnamese durian is highly prized in Japan for its rich flavor and quality.

8. France: $908K

France may be known for its gourmet cuisine, but it is also a growing market for Vietnamese durian exports, with a total value of $908K. French consumers have developed a taste for exotic fruits like durian, making Vietnam a preferred source for high-quality durian. The popularity of durian in France is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

9. Italy: $575K

Italy is a smaller market for Vietnamese durian exports, with a total value of $575K. However, Italian consumers have shown a growing interest in exotic fruits like durian, leading to an increase in imports from Vietnam. Vietnamese durian is highly prized in Italy for its unique taste and quality.

10. Australia: $486K

Australia rounds out the list of top countries for Vietnamese durian exports, with a total value of $486K. Australian consumers have developed a taste for durian in recent years, leading to an increase in imports from Vietnam. Vietnamese durian is a popular choice among Australian consumers for its delicious flavor and quality.

Vietnam Durian Exports in the Last 10 Years: Yearly Vietnam Durian Export Data

Vietnam Durian Exports

Year of Exports

Vietnam Durian Export Value ($)

2014

$2.01 million

2015

$24.68 million

2016

$104.08 million

2017

$306.20 million

2018

$269.39 million

2019

$271.22 million

2020

$71.39 million

2021

$103.24 million

2022

$287.23 million

2023

$2.09 billion

2024

$3.30 billion

2025 quarter 1

$183 million

 

Vietnam Tightens Durian Export Standards to Safeguard Billion-Dollar Chinese Market

In a bold move to reclaim its status in the lucrative Chinese market, Vietnam has intensified its quality control measures for durian exports. With durian accounting for a record USD 3.3 billion in export revenue in 2024, nearly 46% of the entire fruit and vegetable sector’s value, and 97% of that destined for China, the stakes are high. However, exports between January and April 2025 plummeted by 60.9% to just USD 183 million, driven by China’s tightened scrutiny over pesticide residues and traceability requirements. In response, Vietnamese authorities launched comprehensive inspections, limited export eligibility to 829 growing areas and 131 packing facilities, and initiated enhanced digital traceability and stricter residue controls to meet elevated standards and revive the “golden” June–September harvest window.

Key Highlights

  • 2024 Export Milestone: Durian exports reached USD 3.3 billion, making up 46% of Vietnam’s fruit and veg sector; 97% of these were sold to China. 

  • Sharp Decline in 2025: From January to April, exports tumbled by 60.9%, amounting to just USD 183 million. 

  • China’s Stringent Standards: Authorities cracked down on pesticide & cadmium residues & demanded traceability, prompting urgent regulatory adjustments.

  • Targeted Inspections Launched: Vietnam revised its approved list to include only 829 growing zones and 131 packing facilities.

  • Winning Tactics from Thailand: Vietnam is modeling its response after Thailand, whose multilayered quality checks ensure over 99% clearance at Chinese customs. 

  • Harvest Season Strategy: With durian’s peak harvest from June to September, authorities are racing to restore full export pathways before this critical period.

Vietnam Aims for $5 billion in Durian Exports in 2025

Vietnam’s durian export story has exploded in recent years, skyrocketing from modest beginnings to commanding a significant global share; hence, Vietnam targets $5 billion of durian exports in 2025. In 2024, durian exports surged to USD 3.3 billion, a remarkable 7.8× increase over 2022, fueled largely by booming Chinese demand. That figure made durian the most lucrative export fruit, accounting for almost 50% of Vietnam’s fruit-and-vegetable export revenue.

China dominates this picture, absorbing more than 90% of Vietnam’s durian exports. In the first 11 months of 2024, Vietnamese durians made up 47% of China’s total durian imports, up from 35% the previous year, a dramatic leap in market share.

Vietnam continues expanding its production base. By 2024, durian plantations spanned nearly 180,000 hectares, a sixfold growth since 2015, and production topped 1.5 million tons. Projections estimate that by 2025, durian-growing areas could expand to 160,000 hectares, delivering about 1.55 million tons. Export revenues are expected to climb to USD 3.5 billion, though still shy of the target. 

Key Insights: Durian Export Pulse & 2025 Targets

  • Export Value So Far:

    • 2024: USD 3.3 billion

    • Projected 2025: USD 3.5 billion (rough estimate)

  • Export Share in China:

    • 2023: 35% of China’s durian imports

    • 2024: 47% share, almost on par with Thailand’s 52%. 

  • Harvest Potential:

    • The plantation area was nearly 180,000 ha by the end of 2024. 

    • Expected output: 1.5 million tons (2024), rising to 1.55 million tons (2025)

  • Obstacles at the Border:

    • China’s tight inspection regime continues to hamper volume growth. Early 2025 showed durian exports at just 20% of the annual goal—only 35,000 tons, valued at USD 120–130 million

    • In early 2025, exports plunged 74% year-on-year to only USD 130 million in the first four months. 

  • Policy & Supply Chain Enhancements:

    • Vietnam is ramping up border security and production oversight through 2030.

    • Authorities are pushing for more frozen and processed durian exports to reduce reliance on fresh fruit shipments, especially during harvest gluts.

What It Means & Path to $5 Billion

Vietnam’s leap to a $5 billion target for 2025 is bold and not far-fetched. Export infrastructure and production capacity are in place. But unchecked challenges, like China’s stringent entry checks, have certainly slowed the momentum.

To get there, Vietnam will need to:

  • Strengthen quality controls to satisfy Chinese import standards consistently.

  • Scale up value-added exports (e.g., frozen, processed durian products).

  • Diversify into new markets beyond China to reduce dependency risks.

Snapshot

Category

2024 Data

2025 Projection

Export Value

USD 3.3 billion

USD 3.5 billion (modest growth)

China Share (by value)

47% of China’s durian imports

Likely to remain dominant

Plantation Area

180,000 ha

160,000–180,000 ha

Output

1.5 million tons

1.55 million tons

Key Challenge

China’s stricter import checks

Diversification & quality boost needed

 

Vietnam’s durian sector is racing forward. Whether it can hit that $5 billion export mark in 2025 depends on execution and how quickly it can smooth trade bottlenecks while adding value beyond fresh fruit.

Government Support and Industry Collaboration

The Vietnamese government has been actively supporting the growth of the durian industry through various initiatives and policies. These include providing funding for research and development, offering incentives for durian growers, and promoting international trade agreements that benefit the industry.

Furthermore, industry collaboration has played a crucial role in driving the growth of Vietnam's durian exports. By working together to improve production practices, expand market reach, and enhance product quality, Vietnamese durian growers and exporters are better positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the global durian market.

Conclusion and Final Words

In conclusion, the potential for Vietnam to become a major player in the global durian market is clear, with the country's durian export data showing strong growth and increasing demand for Vietnamese durian. By addressing challenges, seizing opportunities, and continuing to invest in the industry, Vietnam is well on its way to achieving its ambitious goal of $5 billion in durian exports by 2025.

For businesses, traders, and investors seeking reliable, real-time trade intelligence to navigate and capitalize on the latest Vietnam import-export data or to search live data on Vietnam durian exports by country, VietnamExportData offers unparalleled insights and verified statistics. Stay ahead of market trends, identify new opportunities, and make informed decisions backed by trusted data. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in for a customized database report along with a verified list of the top durian exporters in Vietnam & Vietnam durian suppliers data



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