W12 Durian Update: Durian Prices Soar in Vietnam as Exports to China Surge, and Vietnam's Plant Protection Department Alerts on Cadmium Contamination in Durian Exports

Published 2024년 3월 27일

In W12 in the durian landscape, Vietnam's durian prices are high, with Ri6 and Thai durians priced at USD 5.49/kg and USD 8.55/kg, respectively. The country's fruit and vegetable exports have seen a 44.3% YoY increase, with China being the main export market. VINAFRUIT anticipates positive developments in 2024, particularly in China, where durian exports reached USD 2.3 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, concerns were raised about the potential loss of the Vietnamese durian market to Malaysia in China and the need to build and protect the brand. Lastly, the Plant Protection Department in Vietnam has issued a notice regarding cadmium contamination in durian exports to China.

High Durian Prices in Vietnam as of March 18, 2024

As of March 18, 2024, durian prices in Vietnam are high, with Ri6 and Thai durians priced at USD 5.49 per kilogram (kg) and USD 8.55/kg (VND 136,000/kg and VND 212,000/kg), respectively, in the Southwest region. Moreover, Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports saw a 44.3% year-over-year (YoY) increase from Jan-24 to Feb-24, reaching nearly USD 815.13 million. China remains the main export market, accounting for 61.5% of Vietnam's total fruit and vegetable export turnover. The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT) anticipates positive developments in 2024, particularly in China, where durian exports reached USD 2.3 billion in 2023.

Vietnam's Concerns Over Durian Market Loss to Malaysia in China

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam expressed concern about the potential loss of the Vietnamese durian market to Malaysia in China. Furthermore, it emphasized the need to build and protect the Vietnamese durian brand, focusing on control standards. The General Secretary of the VINAFRUIT highlighted the importance of leveraging current strengths, such as quality, output, and brand, to protect Vietnam's durian industry. The Deputy also proposed strict control of substandard durian collection and the development of regulations and standards for durian exports. Moreover, they also stressed the importance of licensing exports of reputable durians to prevent negative impacts on Vietnamese fruits.

Vietnam's Plant Protection Department Addresses Cadmium Contamination in Durian Exports to China

The Plant Protection Department in Vietnam has issued a notice regarding 30 shipments of Vietnamese durian exports to China that were found to be contaminated with the heavy metal cadmium. These contaminated shipments were identified between Jun-23 and Jan-24. The Department has instructed 18 businesses on the warning list to investigate the cause of contamination, retrieve the affected shipments, and review all records related to production, collection, and export processes. They also propose that specialized agencies supervise and ensure these businesses retrieve the warned shipments and implement corrective measures. Additionally, the Department plans to assess food safety conditions at the establishments involved and report the findings to the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) before April 3, 2024.