The blue dragon fruit industry has a successful start in 2025

In January, blue dragon fruit became Vietnam’s biggest fruit export, raking in a revenue of US$58 million, while durian lost its “king” export status, as its revenue plummeted by 73%, down to US$31 million.

For two consecutive years, durian took the lead among Vietnam’s fruit exports. Data from the General Department of Vietnam Customs show a sharp decline in the value of durian exports, especially those to China.

Specifically, durian exports to China in January reached only US$18 million, down more than 83% compared to the same period last year, with Vietnam’s total durian export value in the same month reaching only US$31 million.

According to a report by the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, blue dragon fruit export value in January totaled US$57.73 million, down 9.8% year-on-year but up 34.5% from December 2024. Meanwhile, durian exports in the same month only reached US$31.22 million, down 73% compared to January 2024.

In January, China bought blue dragon fruit worth US$38.1 million from Vietnam, becoming the biggest importer of this fruit from the country, followed by India with US$7.17 million, and the US with US$3.38 million.

According to farmers, the price of blue dragon fruit has increased due to increases in the export of this fruit to China, in addition to the bustling domestic market driven by spring festival events in 2025.

In recent years, blue dragon fruit exports declined as China had developed its own domestic supply, leading to reduced imports. Although Vietnam has expanded into alternative markets like India, the US, and Thailand, it has not been able to fully compensate for the loss.

As a result, the area of blue dragon fruit cultivation has decreased, with farmers switching to durian farming or even rice cultivation for higher economic returns.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the days following the Lunar New Year holiday, the price of blue dragon fruit in Tien Giang Province remained high through to the end of January.

In Tien Giang, wholesalers purchased white-flesh blue dragon fruit at prices ranging from VND16,000-28,000 per kg, which was VND4,000-5,000 higher per kg compared to the previous month. The price of red-flesh blue dragon fruit ranged from VND22,000-33,000 per kg, increasing by VND3,000-4,000 per kg.

Due to it being the off-season, the supply of blue dragon fruit is low, while the demand is high, pushing prices up.

The blue dragon fruit industry has had a successful start in 2025, but the main challenges are still ahead. Therefore, improving quality, diversifying markets, and offering processed products are still essential for sustainable development.

Meanwhile, durian has been heavily affected by new regulations from China and other markets. China’s stricter inspections, including the newly added Auramine O testing, have forced some Vietnamese businesses to redirect durians back to the domestic market and sell them at reduced prices rather than waiting for customs clearance.

With increasingly more barriers, durian exports are expected to further face difficulties in the first quarter, leading to a sharp decline in its price at the beginning of the year. In the Mekong Delta provinces of Dong Thap, Can Tho, Tien Giang, and Vinh Long, the price of Ri 6 durian (of the highest quality standard) is currently ranging from VND55,000-84,000 per kg, a decrease of VND15,000-31,000 compared to the previous week./.