Vietnam fruit and vegetable exports value rises 27% in Q1

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports continued to expand in early 2026, but the sector is increasingly facing pressure from logistics disruptions, stricter import requirements and intensifying global competition, according to the Vietnamese government’s national information portal.

Trade

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, export value reached nearly US$1.5 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 27 percent year on year, generating a trade surplus of more than US$716 million.

China remained the largest destination, followed by the United States and South Korea, while shipments to Malaysia, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates recorded particularly strong growth.

In the first two months alone, exports to China rose sharply, reinforcing the country’s position as the dominant market for Vietnamese produce.

Products

Durian continued to drive export performance. Even during the off-season month of January, shipments reached US$117.2 million, marking a 274.8 percent increase compared with the same period in 2025.

Other fruits showing stable growth included dragon fruit, bananas and mangoes, while products such as fresh coconuts, longan and spice vegetables expanded their presence in markets including the United States, Japan and the European Union.

The sector is also gradually diversifying beyond fresh produce, with processed items such as frozen fruit and juices gaining share and helping reduce dependence on a limited number of export commodities.

Markets

Market diversification has become a key strategy as exporters seek to balance reliance on traditional destinations. Strong demand has been recorded in both established and emerging markets, including Europe and Southeast Asia.

Industry authorities are targeting US$10 billion in fruit and vegetable exports in 2026, supported by expanded planting areas, improved traceability systems and new export protocols.

Challenges

Despite the positive growth trend, rising logistics costs remain a major constraint. Shipping disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions have extended transit times and reduced competitiveness, particularly in distant markets such as the United States and the European Union.

At the same time, exporters must comply with increasingly strict food safety and quality standards, requiring continued investment in production management and supply chain controls.

source and photo: vietnam.vn