W14 Durian Update: Record High Durian Prices in Vietnam's Mekong Delta Amid Surge in Exports to China, and Durian Production Dropped From Jan-24 to Mar-24

Published 2024년 4월 12일

In W14 in the durian landscape, Vietnam has become the top exporter of fresh durian to China, shipping 32.7 thousand tons in early 2024, a 2.4-fold increase from 2023. This has led to record prices in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. Vietnam is also nearing a protocol for the official export of frozen durian to China, which is expected to increase its export value by 30% annually. However, cadmium contamination in Vietnamese durian shipments to China is still under investigation. Lastly, Thailand's durian production has declined by 10% since 2023 due to erratic weather and El Niño-related high temperatures, causing soaring prices and disrupting flowering.

Vietnam Emerges as Top Durian Exporter to China, Drives Record Prices

Vietnam has become the top exporter of fresh durians to China, shipping 32.7 thousand tons in the early months of 2024, a 2.4-fold increase from 2023. This has led to record durian prices in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. Vietnam is also nearing a protocol for the official export of frozen durians to China. It is expected to increase its export value by 30% annually, aiming for a total export value of USD 3.5 billion in 2024. This growth is part of a broader increase in fruit and vegetable exports from Vietnam, which saw a 26% rise in Q4-24, with projections suggesting a 15 to 20% growth in exports, potentially reaching USD 6 to 6.5 billion in revenue.

High Off-Season Monthong Durian Prices in Vietnam in W14

Monthong durian prices in Vietnam are high, with Grade A prices reaching USD 8.72 to USD 9.2 per kilogram (VND 218,000 to 230,000/kg). Meanwhile, Grade B and C prices are USD 7.8 to USD 8/kg (VND 195,000 to 200,000/kg) and USD 4 to USD 5.6/kg (VND 100,000 to 140,000/kg), respectively. Ri6 durian prices remain stable at USD 6.40/kg (VND 160,000) for Grade A and USD 2.8/kg (VND 70,000/kg) for Grade C. A farmer in Bến Tre Province reported selling a ton of Grade C Monthong durian at USD 4.4/kg (VND 110,000/kg). This price increase is attributed to a decrease in supply, with only three tons harvested in early 2024, leading to price spikes during the off-season. The reduction in production is mainly due to climate change, salinity intrusion, and nutrient deficiencies, resulting in a 20 to 30% decline. The increased saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta has posed significant challenges for durian farmers, as noted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Despite these challenges, the General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association expects the supply to recover in May.

Cadmium Contamination in Vietnamese Durian Shipments to China

The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported cadmium contamination in 30 durian shipments to China, violating China's food safety standards. The cause is still under investigation, possibly due to farming processes. Although this setback is not anticipated to impact exports significantly, it serves as a warning for future operations. The ministry also reported positive agricultural growth in Q1-24, with an estimated 2.9 to 3% increase in production value compared to 2023.

Durian Production Plummeted to 10% of 2023 Levels in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand

Durian production in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand, has dropped to just 10% of its production from 2023. This decline is mainly due to erratic weather patterns and prolonged high temperatures linked to the El Niño phenomenon. This impact is especially noticeable in popular varieties like Gan Yao and Golden Pillow. Despite growers' efforts to address these challenges, the extreme conditions have caused a significant decrease in production, resulting in soaring durian prices in the region.