Vegetable, fruit exports exceed $1.5 billion in first half

HÀ NỘI — Exports of vegetables and fruits fetched more than US$1.5 billion in the first six months of the year, a year-on-year decline of 14.5 per cent, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Consumers choose bunches of lychee. — Photo hanoimoi

China was the leading importer of Việt Nam’s vegetables and fruit, holding a lion’s share of about 60.8 per cent. However, exports of those products to the northern neighbouring country slipped 29.2 per cent in value compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, exports to most other markets increased. Earnings from Thailand topped $57.8 million in the period, surging 244.1 per cent, and from the Republic of Korea $54.6 million, up 25.4 per cent.

Shipments to Japan and the Netherlands picked up 26.4 per cent and 28.3 per cent to $46.2 million and $28 million, respectively.

Firms are advised to bolster exports of processed vegetable and fruits. Exports of the items are projected to bounce back at year’s end as the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to be brought under control.