Vietnam’s Durian Exports Surge, Poised to Surpass Thailand in China’s Fruit Market
Rapid growth in Vietnamese durian shipments driven by price competitiveness and expanded export capacity could see Hanoi overtake Bangkok’s long-standing dominance
Vietnam’s durian sector is registering remarkable growth in exports to China, intensifying competition with Thailand in the world’s largest market for the prized tropical fruit and signalling a possible shift in regional dominance in the coming years.
Data from customs and industry organisations show that Vietnam’s durian export value reached a record high in 2025, with China accounting for the overwhelming majority of shipments as demand continues to expand at scale.
Vietnam’s efforts to scale production, improve logistics and market its fruit aggressively have positioned it as a formidable rival to Thailand — the traditional leader in durian exports.
According to Vietnamese customs statistics, durian exports reached more than US$3.33 billion in the first ten months of 2025, up about ten per cent from the previous year, with China representing over 94 per cent of the total value.
Competitive pricing — with Vietnamese durians averaging around US$3,696 per tonne, notably lower than Thai durians — and logistical advantages such as shorter transport times have helped Hanoi’s exporters gain market share.
Comprehensive improvements in cold-chain infrastructure, quality control and branding have also contributed to the country’s rapid ascent.
Historical customs data indicate that Vietnam briefly overtook Thailand in early 2024 when shipments surged during China’s peak demand periods, including Lunar New Year and other holidays, although Thailand has since retained a strong overall presence.
Vietnam’s near year-round harvest further allows it to fill gaps left by Thailand’s seasonal production, providing a steady supply when Thai exports wane, particularly in off-season months.
Analysts note that this advantage, if sustained and combined with continued improvements in regulatory compliance and export protocols, could see Vietnam overtake Thailand as China’s top durian supplier within the next three years.
Industry observers also cite broader regional competition, with Cambodia and Malaysia developing their own export pathways to China, though Vietnam remains the closest and most competitive challenger to Thai fruit exporters.
While Thailand has historically dominated the Chinese market — once accounting for over 90 per cent of imports — the evolving dynamics of production, pricing and logistics indicate that Vietnam’s durian industry is on track to claim an even larger share of this lucrative market in the near future.
Data from customs and industry organisations show that Vietnam’s durian export value reached a record high in 2025, with China accounting for the overwhelming majority of shipments as demand continues to expand at scale.
Vietnam’s efforts to scale production, improve logistics and market its fruit aggressively have positioned it as a formidable rival to Thailand — the traditional leader in durian exports.
According to Vietnamese customs statistics, durian exports reached more than US$3.33 billion in the first ten months of 2025, up about ten per cent from the previous year, with China representing over 94 per cent of the total value.
Competitive pricing — with Vietnamese durians averaging around US$3,696 per tonne, notably lower than Thai durians — and logistical advantages such as shorter transport times have helped Hanoi’s exporters gain market share.
Comprehensive improvements in cold-chain infrastructure, quality control and branding have also contributed to the country’s rapid ascent.
Historical customs data indicate that Vietnam briefly overtook Thailand in early 2024 when shipments surged during China’s peak demand periods, including Lunar New Year and other holidays, although Thailand has since retained a strong overall presence.
Vietnam’s near year-round harvest further allows it to fill gaps left by Thailand’s seasonal production, providing a steady supply when Thai exports wane, particularly in off-season months.
Analysts note that this advantage, if sustained and combined with continued improvements in regulatory compliance and export protocols, could see Vietnam overtake Thailand as China’s top durian supplier within the next three years.
Industry observers also cite broader regional competition, with Cambodia and Malaysia developing their own export pathways to China, though Vietnam remains the closest and most competitive challenger to Thai fruit exporters.
While Thailand has historically dominated the Chinese market — once accounting for over 90 per cent of imports — the evolving dynamics of production, pricing and logistics indicate that Vietnam’s durian industry is on track to claim an even larger share of this lucrative market in the near future.
