Vietnam’s durian exports reach $1.08 billion in first half of 2026

June shipments accelerate

Vietnam earned $1.08 billion from durian exports in the first half of 2026, an increase of 31.6% from the same period a year earlier, according to Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association data cited by Mekong ASEAN. The result was supported by a sharp acceleration in June, when exports reached $523 million, up 94.4% from May and 19.5% year on year.

Fresh durian accounted for most of the June trade. Exporters shipped 141,000 tonnes worth $463 million, representing month-on-month increases of 80.4% in volume and 90.9% in value. Compared with June 2025, volume rose 29.8% and revenue increased 22.2%. Frozen durian shipments reached 12,460 tonnes and $60.06 million, up 144% and 126.6% respectively from May. Year on year, frozen volume grew 8.6%, but value gained only 1.8%.

Fresh fruit dominates first-half revenue

Over the full six-month period, fresh durian exports totaled 287,800 tonnes and generated $946.2 million. Volume increased 39.2% year on year, while value rose 32.2%. Frozen durian exports reached 29,000 tonnes, up 15.3%, with revenue advancing 28.2% to $137.9 million. Vietnam also exported smaller quantities of dried and pureed durian, juice, cakes, confectionery and powder.

Average prices moved in different directions. The first-half export price for fresh durian fell 5% year on year to $3,288 per tonne, indicating that higher shipment volumes drove the increase in revenue. The average frozen durian price rose 11.2% to $4,743 per tonne. In June alone, fresh durian averaged $3,275 per tonne, up 29.8% from May but down 5.8% from June 2025. Frozen product averaged $4,819 per tonne, 7.2% below May and 6.3% lower year on year.

China accounts for 91% of sales

China remained by far Vietnam’s largest destination, purchasing $987 million of durian in the first half, 43.1% more than a year earlier and equivalent to 91% of total export revenue. Taiwan ranked second at $24.5 million, down 4.9%, followed by Hong Kong at $23.5 million, down 24.3%. Sales to Papua New Guinea rose 9.1% to $22 million.

The United States imported $13.3 million, an increase of 9.5%, while Canada purchased $4.2 million, up 15.8%. Japan recorded $3.3 million, 2.1% more than a year earlier. South Korea posted the fastest stated growth rate among these markets, with sales rising 128.6% to $1.5 million. Australia declined 6.3% to $1.3 million.

Frozen segment opens distant markets

Curacao emerged as a new destination with $1.5 million in first-half shipments. Nguyen Van Muoi, deputy secretary-general of Vinafruit, told Mekong ASEAN that Vietnamese companies had used individual quick freezing technology and long-distance cold-chain logistics to deliver whole frozen fruit and separated segments while maintaining flavor and food-safety standards. Demand there comes from high-end hotels and restaurants serving international tourists, particularly visitors of Asian origin, as well as the island’s multicultural population.

Vinafruit expects exports in the final months of 2026 to focus more heavily on frozen durian, which can reduce seasonal constraints and support access to distant markets including Curacao, the United States and the European Union. Exporters must also address tighter technical inspections, particularly in China, covering Auramine O, cadmium residues, production-area codes and packing facilities. With one market responsible for 91% of revenue, compliance in China remains central even as frozen and processed products create opportunities for diversification.