Dragon Fruit Unexpectedly Overtakes Durian as Vietnam’s Top Export Fruit

Join Tin Thanh Phat to explore the surprising shift in Vietnam’s fruit export market, as dragon fruit once overshadowed by durian has made a strong comeback to reclaim the No.1 position in early 2025.

Dragon Fruit Becomes Vietnam’s No.1 Export Fruit

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the fruit export market in the first two months of the year witnessed a major change. Dragon fruit, which had lost its leading position to durian in recent years, has now regained the top spot. In February, dragon fruit export value reached 35 million USD, accounting for 13.6% of the total industry. Cumulatively, in the first two months, dragon fruit exports hit 93.8 million USD, making up 14.3% of total fruit and vegetable exports. This result officially placed dragon fruit above durian and bananas.Meanwhile, banana exports in February grew strongly to 40.8 million USD, up 32% from January, reaching 71.5 million USD in two months. However, this figure still could not surpass dragon fruit.Durian exports, on the other hand, dropped sharply to only 21.4 million USD in February, down 69% year-on-year and accounting for just 7.6% of the total fruit export value.

Durian Slips Due to Stricter Inspection Rules

The sharp decline in durian exports was mainly due to new regulations from China the market that consumes 95% of Vietnam’s durian. Starting early this year, China requires all imported durian shipments to be tested for cadmium residues and auramine O at accredited laboratories. This stricter procedure has slowed customs clearance, reducing export volumes significantly. At the same time, Vietnamese durian shipments to the EU are now subject to increased inspection frequency, rising from 10% to 20% at border checks due to repeated violations of pesticide residue standards.

Dragon Fruit Regains Its Position

In contrast, dragon fruit exports have strongly recovered. Prices remain high, with white-flesh dragon fruit type I purchased at 30,000-35,000 VND/kg, type II at around 28,000 VND/kg, and type III at 23,000-24,000 VND/kg. Dragon fruit used to be Vietnam’s top fruit export, with a record of nearly 1.3 billion USD in 2018. Although its value fell in recent years, this new rebound highlights strong consumer demand, especially from China which still accounts for 90% of Vietnam’s dragon fruit exports.

Bright Outlook for Dragon Fruit Export

Beyond China, the United States is expected to become another key market. On April 11, a Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister Hoang Trung held talks with APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA) to propose hot steam treatment for dragon fruit a method that would help reduce export costs. If approved, dragon fruit exports to the US could grow sharply, as the country already accounts for nearly 10% of Vietnam’s dragon fruit export volume. Other markets such as Japan, South Korea, and the EU are also showing positive signals. Experts believe that the comeback of dragon fruit as the leading export fruit is not only a short-term trend but also a sign of its long-term export potential. With more trade agreements and stronger quality control, dragon fruit export value could soon return to its previous record levels.