Arabfields, Meriem Senouci, Correspondent, Hanoï, Vietnam — Vietnam is stepping up efforts to improve the quality, traceability and processing capacity of its durian industry as exporters face tighter international standards and growing pressure to secure reliable supplies.

After years of rapid expansion in cultivated areas and production, the country is shifting its focus towards building a more integrated value chain, with greater emphasis on quality control, digital technology and higher-value products.

The move comes as durian becomes one of Vietnam’s most important agricultural exports. Revenue from overseas shipments reached approximately $3.85 billion in 2025, up sharply from $177.7 million in 2021, reflecting strong demand, particularly from China.

In the first seven months of 2026, durian exports reached about $1.47 billion, an increase of 44.1% compared with the same period last year. China accounted for more than 95% of the total, highlighting both the scale of the market opportunity and Vietnam’s continued dependence on a single major buyer.

The country’s broader fruit and vegetable exports also maintained strong momentum. Shipments reached $6.15 billion in the first eight months of 2026, an increase of nearly 28% year on year. Industry representatives expect total exports to exceed $10 billion for the full year, with durian continuing to provide a substantial contribution.

However, rapid growth has exposed weaknesses in production, storage and marketing. Farmers and exporters face increasing scrutiny over pesticide residues, product consistency and food safety, while inadequate cold storage and fragmented supply chains contribute to losses and unpredictable prices.

At the second Asian Durian Symposium, held in Ho Chi Minh City in July, Chinese biotechnology entrepreneur Yang Li’an said quality-related problems accounted for nearly 80% of financial losses in durian trading. Issues include cracked fruit, uneven ripening, translucent flesh and chemical residues.

For growers, these problems can mean rejected shipments, lower prices and uncertainty over whether harvested fruit will reach export markets. The risks are particularly significant for smallholders who lack the resources to invest in improved farming practices and storage facilities.

Huynh Tan Loc, director of the Ngu Hiep Durian Cooperative in Dong Thap province, has also raised concerns about competition from financially stronger foreign traders buying directly from farms. Such practices can weaken local cooperatives and make it harder for them to secure stable supplies for their members.

To address these challenges, Vietnam introduced a national electronic traceability system for agricultural exports on July 1, 2026. The platform is designed to connect information on cultivation areas, harvesting, packing facilities and exporters, allowing authorities and buyers to verify the origin and movement of products.

The country currently has 1,599 registered durian growing-area codes and 281 active packing facilities. In August, Chinese authorities approved an additional 401 growing-area codes and 166 packing-house codes, expanding the number of Vietnamese suppliers eligible to serve the market.

The government is also promoting digital customs procedures to shorten clearance times and improve the reliability of export documentation. The system links production and packaging records with export paperwork, potentially reducing delays and strengthening confidence among international buyers.

Beyond traceability, investment in cold storage, processing and transport infrastructure is expected to become increasingly important. Industry officials are encouraging companies to develop frozen durian and processed products, which could help reduce seasonal pressure and create additional markets for fruit unsuitable for fresh exports.

Vietnam is also seeking to diversify its customer base. India opened its market to fresh Vietnamese durian in July 2026, providing an additional outlet as exporters explore opportunities in other countries.

If investments in processing, logistics and quality management proceed as planned, Vietnam could sustain export growth while reducing its exposure to disruptions in individual markets. The government’s longer-term objective is to move the industry away from a volume-driven model towards higher-value production and more reliable supply relationships.

For farmers and cooperatives, the success of the transition will depend on whether improved standards and technology translate into more stable purchasing arrangements and better returns. As international competition intensifies, Vietnam’s ability to maintain quality and develop new markets will shape the durian industry’s prospects over the coming years.