In late May 2025, Vietnam successfully exported its first official batch of 22.24 tons of frozen durian to China via the Bac Luan II Border Gate in Dongxing. This marks the first time that frozen durian from Vietnam has been officially exported to China under the bilateral protocol signed in August 2024.
The shipment was produced and exported by Vina M&B Import-Export and Trading Co., Ltd. (Hanoi), with Shanghai Xinronghe International Trade Co., Ltd. as the importer. At the border gate, the shipment underwent a strict inspection process.
According to the General Department of Customs, in Q1 2025, Vietnam exported 8,710 tons of frozen durian, valued at over USD 31 million—a year-on-year increase of nearly 63% in volume and more than 50% in value. Notably, these figures do not include exports to China.
Mr. Vu Duc Con, Chairman of the Dak Lak Durian Association, stated: “With a shelf life of up to one year, frozen durian can reach deeper inland regions of China, unlike fresh durian, which is limited to the southern markets. We expect frozen durian exports to generate USD 600–700 million this year and aim for USD 1 billion in the near future.”
However, conquering the Chinese market requires strict compliance with technical standar ds. Ms. Phan Thi Men, General Director of SUTECH Science and Technology Consulting Co., Ltd., emphasized: “Frozen durians must be treated at -35°C or lower for at least one hour until the core reaches -18°C or lower, and this temperature must be maintained throughout storage and transportation.”
Currently, Vietnamese frozen durian is exported to various markets, including Thailand, the United States, Europe, ASEAN countries, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and Russia. According to the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, more than 20 Vietnamese companies have been licensed by GACC to export frozen durian to China.
The successful export of the first frozen durian batch to China opens up great opportunities for the sector, helping Vietnam maintain and expand its market share in the world’s most populous country.
Source: congthuong.vn
