According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit), there has been a remarkable shift in Vietnam’s fruit export rankings. Once-dominant durian exports have dropped sharply, falling to third place, while dragon fruit and bananas have emerged as the new leaders in Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export structure in early 2025.
Dragon Fruit and Bananas Lead the Export Market
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In February 2025, dragon fruit exports reached USD 35 million, accounting for 13.6% of total fruit and vegetable export turnover.
Cumulatively, in the first two months of the year, dragon fruit exports totaled USD 93.8 million, making up 14.3% of total export value.
Banana exports also grew significantly in February, reaching USD 40.8 million — an increase of 32% compared to January.
Total banana exports in the first two months hit USD 71.5 million, accounting for over 10% of the total fruit and vegetable export revenue.
Durian Exports Drop Sharply
In contrast, durian exports in February fell to just USD 21.4 million, marking a 69% decline year-on-year and accounting for only 7.6% of total fruit and vegetable exports.
Exports to the Chinese market, which typically consumes 95% of Vietnam’s durian, plunged by 83%, to USD 27 million.
According to Vinafruit, the sharp decline was primarily due to new import regulations from China requiring Cadmium and Auramine O residue tests from certified laboratories recognized by Chinese authorities.
This rule applies to all exporting countries and has complicated export procedures, lengthened customs clearance times, and affected shipment volumes.
Additionally, durian shipments to the European Union (EU) now face increased inspection frequency — from 10% to 20% — due to repeated non-compliance with pesticide residue limits.
In 2024, durian was Vietnam’s top fruit export, earning USD 3.21 billion, accounting for nearly 45% of total fruit and vegetable export turnover, according to the General Department of Customs.
Dragon Fruit Regains Its Former Glory
Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that dragon fruit exports are recovering strongly, helping this fruit regain its former position.
Currently, the farmgate prices of white-flesh dragon fruit remain high:
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Type I: VND 30,000–35,000/kg
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Type II: VND 28,000/kg
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Type III: VND 23,000–24,000/kg
“Dragon fruit used to be the top export fruit of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable industry,” Mr. Nguyen said.
“In 2018, dragon fruit reached a record export value of nearly USD 1.3 billion, but later fell below USD 1 billion in 2022. When Japan signed a protocol to officially import fresh Vietnamese dragon fruit, the sector recovered briefly — but was soon overtaken by durian as the ‘king of fruits’,” he added.
Dragon Fruit: A “Super Fruit” on the Global Stage
Mr. Nguyen emphasized that dragon fruit is recognized globally as a ‘super fruit’ due to its numerous health benefits.
The fruit is especially popular in China, which imports about 90% of its dragon fruit supply from Vietnam.
Expanding Market Access: The U.S. and Beyond
On April 11, a Vietnamese delegation led by Vice Minister Hoang Trung from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment held talks with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote fresh fruit trade between the two countries.
The Vietnamese side proposed that the U.S. recognize the hot steam treatment method for dragon fruit — an alternative to irradiation — to reduce export costs for Vietnamese enterprises and facilitate greater market access in the U.S.
Conclusion
With its export value rebounding and global recognition growing, dragon fruit is once again positioning itself as Vietnam’s leading fruit export.
As the industry adapts to evolving international regulations, sustainability standards, and market diversification efforts, dragon fruit is poised to remain one of Vietnam’s most promising agricultural exports in the coming years.