Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)China the world’s largest durian consumer has tightened quality control on imported durians. This has caused Vietnam’s durian exports to decline sharply in the first half of 2025. While presenting significant challenges, it also opens opportunities for Vietnam’s fruit industry to reform and meet global standards.
Vietnam’s durian exports decline under stricter Chinese controls
According to the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), China imposed stricter measures on imported durians after detecting Auramine O and excessive cadmium levels in certain shipments from Vietnam. Shipments that fail to meet standards are returned, destroyed, or lead to suspension of exporters. This immediately affected Vietnam’s fruit sector, with durians once considered a rising star of exports. In H1 2025, Vietnam’s fruit export revenue fell nearly 10% year-on-year, to just over USD 3 billion, mainly due to a drop in Vietnam’s durian exports to China.
China’s double inspection mechanism
Stricter process
According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), China now requires batch-by-batch safety inspections and a double-check system:
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First inspection in the exporting country.
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Second inspection at the border gate.
This prolongs supply chains and raises logistics costs, putting pressure on Vietnam’s durian suppliers.
Vietnam’s domestic tightening
In parallel, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment demanded stricter management of agricultural quality, with durian a key focus. If international food safety standards are not met, Vietnam risks losing the Chinese market entirely.
Regional competition: Thailand leads the way
Vietnam’s durians face fierce competition from Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Among them, Thailand remains the No.1 supplier to China. A 6kg Thai durian can sell for 200 RMB (~USD 29) in China, appealing to middle-class consumers and high-end gift buyers. To compete, Vietnam’s durian exports must improve both quality and brand positioning.
Recovery opportunity in late 2025
Despite current setbacks, the Ministry of Agriculture expects Vietnam’s durian exports to recover during the peak harvest season in August–October 2025. Key requirements include:
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Farmers and businesses adopting global-standard cultivation practices.
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Strict control in harvesting, packaging, and transport.
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Stronger branding for Vietnam’s premium durians.
Expert view: Reducing dependence on China
According to Nguyen Thanh Trung, lecturer at Fulbright University Vietnam:
“China’s tightened import measures are a wake-up call about over-reliance on one market. Farmers and traders must meet global standards. This year may be tough, but it’s also a chance for Vietnam to upgrade its competitiveness.”
That means Vietnam’s durian exports must diversify beyond China, exploring markets like South Korea, Japan, the U.S., and the EU.
Conclusion
In H1 2025, China’s stricter import rules sharply reduced Vietnam’s durian exports. Yet challenges bring opportunities: this is the right time for Vietnam’s farmers and businesses to adopt international standards, diversify markets, and strengthen brand value for sustainable growth.