China remains Vietnam's largest agricultural export market as durian shipments drive record trade

China has reinforced its position as Vietnam's largest export market for agricultural, forestry and fishery products, with rising demand for fresh produce – particularly durians – driving record export revenues and supporting growth across Vietnam's rural economy.

According to official figures, Vietnam exported US$5.5 billion worth of fruit and vegetables to China in 2025, including US$3.5 billion generated by durian exports alone, underlining the fruit's growing importance in bilateral agricultural trade.

The expansion of official market access for Vietnamese durians since 2022 has transformed one of the country's fastest-growing agricultural industries, as reported by China Daily, a TV BRICS partner.

The growing export trade has translated into higher incomes for farming communities. In Vietnam's Lam Dong Province, many growers report that durian cultivation has become their primary source of household income, enabling investment in orchard expansion and improved farming practices.

The sustained growth in exports has also encouraged improvements in fruit quality as producers adapt to increasingly demanding international standards.

The expanding trade has generated benefits beyond farms. Packing facilities and logistics operations linked to fresh fruit exports have created additional employment opportunities and increased incomes for workers involved in sorting, packaging and preparing produce for overseas markets.

Industry estimates indicate that some processing facilities now handle more than 30,000 durians every day, reflecting the rapid expansion of Vietnam's export supply chain.

Agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and China has continued to deepen through stronger supply chain integration and closer coordination between producers, processors and exporters.

During the Vietnam–China Agricultural Trade Connectivity Forum held in Ho Chi Minh City, officials from both countries highlighted agricultural trade as one of the fastest-growing areas of bilateral cooperation. Discussions focused on strengthening connections across the entire supply chain to improve efficiency, product quality and long-term sustainability.