Overview of the Durian Market Scale in Vietnam

Here is the most updated overview (as of 2025) of the durian market scale in Vietnam:

1. Cultivation Area and Production

• Rapid expansion of cultivation area:

  • 2015: nearly 32,000 ha.

  • By 2023: reached about 131,000 ha (up ~20% compared to the previous year).

  • Some sources recorded that in 2024, the cultivation area reached ~150,000 ha with an output of 1.5 million tons.

• Continuously increasing production:

  • 2023: output nearly 1.2 million tons.

  • Some sources mentioned exports (though not the entire production) reaching up to 1 million tons.

2. Export Value and Market Revenue

• Exports play an increasingly crucial role:

  • 2023: export revenue exceeded USD 2.1 billion, forecast to reach USD 2.3 billion.

  • 2024: projected export revenue around USD 3.3 billion (CNBC).

  • Forecasts for 2024–2025 place revenue in the range of USD 3–3.5 billion.

  • Example: in the first half of 2024, export revenue reached nearly USD 1.5 billion, a strong increase compared to the same period in 2023.

3. Export & Key Markets

• China as the dominant market:

  • China accounts for over 99% of Vietnam’s durian export value.

  • In the first half of 2024, China represented 92% of export revenue.

  • China’s durian import market reached USD 6.8 billion in 2024; Vietnam held about 47% of this share.

• Competitors: Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines also export to China. However, Vietnam has significant advantages in year-round production and efficient frozen tropical exports.

4. Prospects and Challenges

• Steady and sustainable growth:

  • Cultivation area increases nearly 20% annually, while output and export revenue rise 15–20% per year.

• Potential challenge – Oversupply:

  • Experts and farmers warn of possible oversupply as many switch to durian cultivation, which may lead to market saturation in the future.

Quick Summary

Conclusion

Vietnam’s durian market is emerging as a powerful driver in the agricultural export sector. With geographical advantages, a rapidly expanding Chinese market, and continuous production capacity, Vietnam is gradually affirming its position as a leading durian-exporting country. However, for sustainable growth, supply-demand management, processing technology improvements, and market diversification beyond China are crucial.