The rebound is driven by rising demand for durian, and strong growth in coconut, processed mango, and passion fruit. Coconut prices rose significantly due to global demand, while the US became Vietnam’s fastest-growing market, with export value increasing by 166% year-on-year.
Despite declines in exports to China and Thailand due to technical barriers, other markets like Japan, Taiwan, and the Netherlands saw strong growth. The industry is also expanding market access and processing capacity, with bananas and passion fruit identified as next key export items.

With stable demand in high-value markets and improved compliance with import regulations, the sector is expected to perform well in the year-end peak season. Experts believe Vietnam is on track to achieve its USD8 billion export target in 2025.

At a forum in Ho Chi Minh City, experts highlighted passion fruit, banana, pineapple, and coconut as Vietnam’s next strategic fruit exports, thanks to their large production areas, rising global demand, and alignment with strict import requirements.

Currently, these four crops span over 420,000 hectares and yield more than 6.3 million tonnes annually. Bananas lead in export value, generating nearly USD380 million in 2024. Pineapples, coconuts, and passion fruit are also expanding in production and processing capacity.

However, key challenges remain, including limited high-quality varieties, fragmented supply chains, low processing capabilities, and lack of national branding. Experts urged investment in raw material zones, technology adoption, and compliance with phytosanitary standards.

To reach billion-dollar export status, stakeholders emphasized the need for coordinated efforts across government, businesses, and research institutions. Strategies include enhancing traceability, diversifying markets, boosting post-harvest technology, and promoting processed products.

Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam stressed the importance of restructuring the value chain and accelerating market access negotiations to reduce reliance on traditional markets and increase competitiveness in global exports.

Vietnam’s mango industry is gaining international recognition, marked by Tien Giang province’s recent export of green-skinned tuong (elephant) mangoes to the US. This milestone highlights the growing global appeal of specialty fruits from the Mekong Delta.

Tien Giang cultivates over 3,300 hectares of mangoes, yielding more than 50,000 tonnes annually for both domestic consumption and export to markets including China, South Korea, Japan, the US, and Europe. Nearly half of its plantations meet VietGAP standards, with 57 certified growing areas covering 1,800 hectares. The famous Hoa Loc variety accounts for over 52 hectares under certification.

Since 2019, the province has partnered with Vietnam Airlines to feature Hoa Loc mangoes on flights, promoting the fruit’s brand and enhancing its production-to-market value chain.

At a recent forum in Ho Chi Minh City, experts identified passion fruit, banana, pineapple, and coconut as Vietnam’s next billion-dollar fruit exports. These crops cover over 420,000 hectares and yield more than 6.3 million tonnes annually. Bananas alone generated nearly USD380 million in 2024, placing Vietnam among the top nine banana exporters.

Despite strong potential, challenges remain, including low-quality varieties, underdeveloped supply chains, limited processing capacity, and weak branding. Experts emphasized the need for restructuring, focusing on quality over volume, adopting advanced technology, improving traceability, and strengthening value chains.

Key strategies include expanding raw material zones, investing in post-harvest technologies, improving logistics, and diversifying export markets. The coconut sector, in particular, needs stable raw material supply and coordination with research institutions to enhance productivity.

Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam stressed that comprehensive value chain restructuring and accelerated market access negotiations are crucial to unlocking the full export potential of these strategic fruits.

Source: Vitic