Vietnam has achieved a major breakthrough in agricultural trade by officially opening the Chinese market for its frozen durian and fresh coconut. The historic protocols were signed on August 19, during the state visit of General Secretary and President Tô Lâm to the People's Republic of China. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) of Vietnam and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) concluded three important agreements, marking a significant advancement for these products in the 1.4 billion-strong Chinese market.
Durian, one of Vietnam’s most prized export fruits, sees China as its largest market, accounting for 90% of its export volume. The recent approval for frozen durian—an innovative product with high added value—opens new doors for Vietnam’s agricultural sector. MARD views this development as a crucial step toward alleviating seasonal harvest pressures, diversifying processing methods, and enhancing value.
With the market now officially open, exports of frozen durian are projected to reach between $400 and $500 million in 2024, the first year following the protocol signing. This new avenue not only promises economic gains but also solidifies Vietnam’s position as a key global player in providing high-quality, safe, and delectable durian products.
In addition to durian, Vietnamese fresh coconut is set to make significant inroads into the Chinese market. Vietnam is a leading producer and exporter of coconuts, with approximately 175,000 hectares under cultivation, predominantly in the Mekong Delta. The opening of the Chinese market is expected to increase fresh coconut exports by $200 to $300 million in 2024, with further growth anticipated in the following years.
This development promises not only a stable income for coconut farmers but also promotes sustainable industry growth and elevates product quality to meet international standards.
MARD Minister Lê Minh Hoan emphasized that the signing of these protocols represents a culmination of intensive negotiations and collaboration between Vietnam and China. "We anticipate that this will significantly boost our agricultural exports, especially the newly approved products, to the Chinese market, thereby contributing substantially to sector growth," the Minister stated.
With these new opportunities, Vietnam’s agricultural sector is positioned for substantial economic growth while maintaining a commitment to sustainable development and quality improvement. Frozen durian and fresh coconut are emerging as new highlights in Vietnam's export portfolio, promising considerable economic benefits for the country.
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