HCMC - Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports in the first nine months of 2023 reached US$4.1 billion, a 70% increase over the same period last year, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.

Exports of fruits and vegetables from January to September this year are 24% higher than in all of 2022, with durian, banana and dragon fruit contributing significantly to the growth.

Durian has overtaken banana and dragon fruit as the leading product in terms of fruit and vegetable exports, earning it a place in the billion-dollar category. This item is expected to meet its export revenue goal of US$1.5 billion by October.

China remains the largest importer of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables, accounting for 64% of the market. Total export revenues in this market reached US$2.3 billion in an eight-month period, growing 134% year-on-year.

Following China, fruit and vegetable shipments to the U.S. amounted to US$168 million, a 6% decrease over the same period in 2022. Export revenues in South Korea increased by 18% to US$148 million, while revenues in Japan edged up by 6% to US$123 million.

Increased purchases by global partners have been the primary factor behind the notable growth in fruit and vegetable exports over the past nine months, according to Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.

Additionally, the establishment of bilateral trade agreements, such as a series of protocols between Vietnam and China, serves to bolster the export of fruits and vegetables.