Vietnam's durian export value has increased for three consecutive months, with nearly $1 billion in exports in a single month.

According to Vietnam Customs data, Vietnam's durian exports continue to maintain a strong momentum. In September, the export value reached $972 million, a year-on-year increase of 45%; of which, exports to China alone amounted to $960 million, a significant increase of 52% year-on-year. In the first nine months of this year, the cumulative export value was close to $2.8 billion, a slight decrease of 1.7% year-on-year; of which, exports to China were about $2.6 billion, a year-on-year increase of 0.2%. This is the third consecutive month of a significant increase in China's purchases of Vietnamese durians after the import slowdown caused by stricter quality inspections earlier.

In addition to mainland China, regions such as Hong Kong ($42.8 million), Taiwan ($32 million), as well as countries like Papua New Guinea, the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia, have also achieved double-digit growth. Particularly noteworthy is the Malaysian market, which, despite having a smaller base, saw an increase of over 650%, with exports exceeding $2 million. Although Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand are known for their local durian varieties, Vietnamese durians maintain competitiveness in the regional market due to their advantage of stable year-round supply.

In contrast, Vietnam's exports to Thailand have significantly shrunk. In September, Vietnam's exports to Thailand amounted to only $370,000, a sharp decrease of 99% year-on-year; the cumulative exports for the first nine months were $34 million, a year-on-year decrease of 75%. Industry analysts believe that this is due to the new durian export quarantine agreement between Vietnam and China, which has led to a preference for direct exports to the Chinese market, thereby reducing the quantity of frozen durians previously exported to Thailand.

Deng Fuyuan, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, stated that September was the peak harvest period for Vietnam's central highlands, the main durian-producing region, which explains the particularly strong export performance. By the end of October, large-scale centralized collection work across the country had completely concluded, with remaining production estimated at 10% (i.e., 30,000-40,000 tons). Orchard purchase prices have stabilized at 60,000-70,000 Vietnamese dong/kg (approximately RMB 18-21). The current core task of the industry is no longer harvesting but ensuring the smooth export of the last batch of durians from the end of the season and those harvested later. Driven by sustained market demand growth, Vietnam's durian exports are expected to reach $3.5 billion for the year.

In mid-October, Vietnam's durian exports faced difficulties due to congestion in the testing process, with some testing laboratories temporarily suspending services due to equipment maintenance, malfunctions, or awaiting re-evaluation, causing enterprises to be unable to complete the testing reports for cadmium and alkaline yellowing in a timely manner. After a week of emergency handling, the testing work has basically returned to normal. Currently, durian exports at major ports have resumed smoothly, with approximately 300-400 trucks of durians successfully clearing customs daily and heading to the Chinese market.