Vietnam is positioning itself as a key player in the global durian export market, leveraging its substantial advantages and a concerted push to enhance fruit quality. With over 110,000 hectares dedicated to durian cultivation and an annual output nearing 850,000 tonnes, the country aims to solidify its foothold and ascend into the billion-dollar export league. Major durian-growing regions, including the Central Highlands, the Mekong Delta, and the Southeast, collectively form a robust foundation for Vietnam's ambitious export ambitions.

Thanks to its high selling prices and strong demand in import markets, Vietnamese durian has emerged as a frontrunner, surpassing crops like pepper, dragon fruit, and rubber. Over the past five years, the durian cultivation area has expanded by nearly 25% annually.

According to Đỗ Hà Nam, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Intimex Group, while crops such as coffee and pepper yield profits ranging from VNĐ200 - 300 million (US$8,100 – 12,150) per hectare/year, durian trees generate yearly profits of VNĐ2 billion per hectare.

"There has never been an agricultural product that quickly brought in billion-dollar export revenue like durian upon entering the global market," Nam remarked.

Among the leading durian importers, China remains the most promising market for the fruit, according to Nguyễn Quang Hòa, Director of Duong Vu Co., Ltd.

Statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) indicate that Vietnamese durian has penetrated 24 markets, with exports to China accounting for over 99% of the total export turnover of the fruit.

Enterprises predict that China will continue to be the primary consumer of this fruit in 2024 and the years to come.

With a projected growth rate of 7.2% per year from 2019 to 2025, the durian industry presents an opportunity for Vietnam to sustainably develop its durian sector in the future.