Fruit and vegetable exports in September 2025 set a record, durian leads the growth
According to preliminary statistics from Vietnam Customs Department, fruit and vegetable exports in September 2025 are estimated at 1.4 billion USD, a sharp increase of 47.2% compared to August and 52.7% compared to the same period last year. In the first 9 months of 2025, fruit and vegetable exports are estimated to reach 6.22 billion USD, an increase of 10.3% over the same period in 2024. This is a record high in history of the industry, surpassing all previous forecasts.
Strong growth in September was mainly due to durian, the “star” of agricultural export market. After recovering in August 2025 with an export value of 588.8 million USD (up 55.2% compared to the previous month and 9.8% compared to the same period in 2024), durian continued to create a big boost in September. However, in the first 8 months of 2025, durian exports still decreased by 16.2% compared to the same period, reaching 1.79 billion USD, mainly due to the exhausted supply from major exporting countries such as Thailand.
Besides durian, exports of many other fruits such as bananas, mangoes, jackfruit, lychees, lemons, grapefruits, and passion fruits also increased sharply compared to the same period in 2024. In contrast, exports of watermelons and longans decreased significantly. Notably, many processed fruit and vegetable products such as melon, passion fruit, pistachios, almonds, pineapple, eggplant, lychee and longan also recorded growth, showing that Vietnamese fruit and vegetable industry is increasing added value and promoting the export of processed products.
Talking to reporters of Industry and Trade Newspaper, Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said that main driving force for September's growth came from durian. Supply from major exporting countries is limited, while Vietnam is entering the main harvest season, especially in the Central Highlands.
In addition, demand for durian in Chinese market increased sharply due to Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, when people have long holidays, receive bonuses, and tend to shop more. Price of Vietnamese durian is currently 'softer' than in previous years, creating conditions for ordinary customers in China to access, opening up new potential opportunities.
As a fruit and vegetable exporter to many demanding markets, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tung, General Director of Vina T&T Group, said that since beginning of the year, exports of items such as durian, grapefruit, longan, mango, dragon fruit to many markets, especially the US, have all grown strongly. By the end of September this year, the company's revenue is estimated to increase by 17 - 18% compared to the same period in 2024.
Grapefruit and avocado are preparing to "conquer" the Chinese market
According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, processed fruits and vegetables not only help stabilize domestic agricultural product prices but also increase product value by 3 - 5 times compared to fresh products, while also extending the preservation time. Many forecasts show that the period 2026 - 2030 will be a breakthrough time for the industry, thanks to strong demand in the Chinese, US and European markets.
If Vietnam makes good use of the signed Protocols, combines investment in deep processing technology and qualified raw material areas, it can maintain a double-digit growth rate each year, making processed fruits and vegetables a stable billion-dollar export group, reducing dependence on fresh exports. Currently, many businesses have boldly invested in modern factories, expanded specialized growing areas and improved quality of raw materials, meeting increasingly stringent requirements from import markets.
In context of many markets approaching saturation, consumer trends shifting to green and clean products, many opinions say that agricultural sector is forced to invest in modern equipment and technology. At the same time, to access international markets, Vietnamese agricultural products must meet requirements on growing area codes, farming areas and packaging facilities.
Mr. Vo Quan Huy, Director of Huy Long An Company Limited, proposed that Ministry of Industry and Trade promote policy of developing agricultural and forestry processing industry right in large raw material areas, in order to reduce seasonal pressure and expand export markets. Mr. Huy also emphasized potential for exporting grapefruit, which is not yet officially exported to China, while the growing area and market demand are very large, which can bring in billions of USD in revenue and contribute to reducing pressure on durian - a "hot" commodity.
Regarding issue of opening market for grapefruit and avocado, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam said that in 2024, Vietnamese working group worked with Chinese Ministry of Commerce on the early opening of grapefruit and avocado. Currently, Chinese Customs inspection team has surveyed the growing areas, basically completed, the Protocol is being drafted and is expected to be completed in the next few months, with the hope that it can be officially cleared in early 2026. “China’s process is very strict, only granting licenses for 1-2 products each year, so priority is given to grapefruit first, then avocado”, said Mr. Nam.

Source: Vitic/ congthuong.vn