Vietnamese Durian Exports Slowed Down Due to Tightened Inspections from China

Stricter Chinese Regulations Cause Sharp Decline in Vietnam’s Durian Exports

Vietnam’s durian exports, which reached USD 3.3 billion in 2024 and accounted for nearly half of the country’s fruit and vegetable export value, are now under pressure due to stricter inspection protocols in China, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VinaFruit). In Jan-25 and and Feb-25, Vietnam’s durian exports to China plummeted by 56.7% year-over-year (YoY), with market share dropping from 62% to 11%. This decline is attributed to China enforcing new regulations targeting pesticide residues and heavy metal presence like Cadmium, and unpermitted dyes, such as auramine O (Basic Yellow 2 - BY2). This move has prolonged customs clearance times and increased spoilage risks. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cadmium and auramine O, due to their potential health risks, are both substances of concern in agricultural production, including durian farming. While cadmium found in durian may arise from the soil due to excessive use of fertilizers, auramine O is an artificial dye used in paper, textiles and the leather industry, and its use in durian to enhance the color of the fruit is forbidden and indicates foul play. Vietnam’s limited testing capacity—with only nine certified laboratories—has further delayed shipments and eroded buyer trust.

Figure 1. Countries Competing with Vietnam for China Durian Imports

Source: Tridge Eye

Thailand’s Dominance in the Chinese Durian Market

In contrast, Thailand has regained dominance in the Chinese durian market, capturing an 86% share in early 2025. Thailand’s stringent quality control measures, including double testing of pulp and peel and adherence to the “four no” standard (no unripe fruit, no pests, no false labeling, no banned chemicals) introduced by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), have boosted buyer confidence despite higher prices. Thai durians averaged USD 4.40/kg (CNY 32/kg) compared to Vietnam’s USD 3.85/kg (CNY 28/kg), yet buyers preferred the former to mitigate risks.

The challenges in China have prompted Vietnamese exporters to explore alternative markets. Exports to the United States (US) and Japan rose by 66% and 23%, respectively, in the first two months of 2025. Frozen durians, which offer higher added value, are gaining traction in markets such as the US, Europe, and Thailand. For instance, Nam Do Agricultural Products recently shipped 24 metric tons (mt) of frozen durians to China, signaling a shift toward processed products to meet stricter import requirements.

Surplus of Durians in Vietnam Drives Prices Down

Domestically, the decline in exports has led to a surplus of durians, causing farm gate prices to drop by over 50% YoY. Some exporters have resorted to selling domestically at lower prices, while others face financial losses due to abandoned shipments. According to Tridge indices and forecast, the erratic price movements of durian have been under the influence of market drivers mentioned above, and the index coincides with the expected forecast that the prices will go down in the following weeks due to subdued volumes going to China and increased supply on the domestic market.

Figure 2. Fresh Durian Price Index in Vietnam

Source: Tridge Price Indices and Forecasts

Vietnam must address its shortcomings in quality control to regain market share and ensure long-term growth. Strengthening testing capacity, improving compliance with international standards, and diversifying export markets are critical. Frozen durians, in particular, present a promising avenue for growth as they align with global demand for processed and high-value agricultural products.