Exports of fruits and vegetables to China witness record decline

China is Vietnam’sleading export market for vegetables and fruits, but exports to this market in the first quarter totaled only US$ 680 million, down 22.7% over the same period last year. Meanwhile, exports of fruits and vegetables to most other markets increased.

According to a report by the Department of Agricultural Product Processing and Market Development (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), the export value of fruits and vegetables in the first four months of the year was estimated at US$1.26 billion, down 10.3% compared to the same period in 2019.

Notably, China was Vietnam’s leading export market for fruits and vegetables in the first three months with 59.1% market share. However, the export value to this market was only US$680 million, down 22.7% compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, exports to most of the remaining markets increased. Specifically, to Thailand US$50.5 million (accounting for 5.7% of market share, up 308.8%); Korea US$41.6 million(accounting for 4.7%, up 33%); andthe United States US$35.8 million (accounting for 4%, up 12.8%).

The Department of Agricultural Product Processing and Market Development said that considering the main products, the decline in export turnover was due to a number of commodities with export value decreasing by the end of March such as: watermelon reached US$24.8 million (accounting for 2.8%, down 32.4%); longan reached US$16.7 million (accounting for 1.8%, down 81%); and durian reached US$14.1 million (accounting for 1.6%, down 74.8%).

In the domestic market, the market development in April changed depending on the type of fruits. It is now the time when Western provinces are harvesting mangoes, while the consumption situation is difficult due to the influence of Covid-19, the price of mangoes plummets in Dong Thap, the price of Cat Chu mango at field is 3,500 - 4,500 VND / kg; Hoa Cat Loc mangoes 15,000 - 17,000 VND / kg.

However, for watermelon in some central provinces like Quang Nam, prices are higher than the beginning of the crop. At the beginning price of the crop the price was 4,000 VND / kg, currently it is up to 7,000 VND / kg. According to local citizens, this year the weather is hot, with less rain, which is suitable for watermelon.Similarly, durian prices tend to increase to 65,000 - 75,000 VND / kg, double that of February. Serious drought makes durian in Mekong Delta provinces suffer great damage, so durian output this year is expected to decline sharply and the selling price is at a high level.

The import value of fruits and vegetables in April was estimated at US$83 million, bringing the total value of imported fruits and vegetables in the first four months of this year to US$375 million, down 42.3% over the same period in 2019. The United States, China, Australia, Myanmar and South Africa are Vietnam’s largest import markets for fruits and vegetables, accounting for 67.2% market share.