Vietnamese jackfruit exports grow as suppliers seek markets beyond China

Exports exceed $164 million

Vietnam's jackfruit exports maintained positive momentum during the first seven months of 2026, with shipments valued at more than $164 million, according to Kenh14. The total represented a 12% increase from the same period of 2025 and made jackfruit one of the country's principal fruit and vegetable export products.

Exports reached approximately $11.8 million in July alone, rising 33% from July 2025. Jackfruit accounted for about 3.4% of Vietnam's total fruit and vegetable export revenue and ranked eighth among the sector's leading export products. The figures indicate that the commodity remains relatively small compared with Vietnam's largest horticultural exports, but it is gaining commercial importance.

China formalizes market access

China remains the most important market for Vietnamese jackfruit. The fruit has attracted Chinese consumers with its large segments, deep yellow color, sweetness and distinctive aroma. Some Chinese media have rated imports from Vietnam highly, and the product continues to appeal to a segment of consumers even when its selling price exceeds that of domestically grown jackfruit.

Vietnamese fresh jackfruit was officially permitted to enter China through formal trade channels from June 1, 2026, after the General Administration of Customs of China issued phytosanitary requirements for the product. Before that decision, the trade lacked a complete legal framework for formal exports. Fresh jackfruit was also among five agricultural products covered by protocols signed by Vietnam and China in 2025, alongside chili pepper, passion fruit, rice bran and raw edible bird's nest.

China is developing its own jackfruit production in Hainan, Guangxi and Yunnan to reduce reliance on imports. However, Kenh14 reported that climatic conditions in many growing areas have resulted in uneven quality, leaving domestic fruit struggling to compete with supplies from Southeast Asia. For Vietnamese growers and exporters, formal access offers an opportunity to expand shipments, but China's investment in local production remains a longer-term competitive factor.

Processing supports diversification

Vietnamese companies are expanding beyond fresh fruit by producing dried and frozen jackfruit and other processed products. Processing extends shelf life, makes distant destinations more accessible and can reduce dependence on a single market. It also gives exporters additional options when fresh-fruit specifications, transit times or seasonal supply complicate sales.

Alongside China, Vietnamese jackfruit is gradually entering South Korea, Japan, the United States and several European countries. These markets generally impose more demanding quality and market-access requirements. Their development therefore depends on consistent production, phytosanitary compliance, suitable processing and the ability to preserve quality over longer supply chains.

Demand and production outlook

Global demand for tropical fruit is considered to have further room for growth. The outlook for Vietnam's jackfruit exports during the remaining months of 2026 is also described as positive because fruit and vegetable consumption in China and Northeast Asian markets typically rises during festivals and the year-end period.

Jackfruit's agricultural characteristics may strengthen its longer-term potential. International agricultural specialists cited by Kenh14 describe the tree as relatively drought-tolerant, adaptable to different environments and not highly labor-intensive once mature. Those qualities are attracting attention as extreme weather becomes more frequent. The fruit also contains fiber, protein and antioxidant compounds: 100 g of jackfruit flesh provides approximately 1.72 g of protein. Commercial expansion, however, will depend on whether Vietnam can combine these product attributes with reliable quality, regulatory compliance and enough processing capacity to serve markets beyond neighboring China.