More than 74% of vegetables are exported to China

At present, China is still the main export market of Vietnam’s vegetables and fruits, accounting for 74.6% of the total export turnover of vegetables and fruits in the first 5 months of 2018.

To expand exports, businesses need to produce based on demand, in line with the standards and requirements of the market. Photo: Nguyen Thanh.

According to statistics by the General Department of Vietnam Customs (MOF), from the beginning of 2018 to 15 June 2018, exports of fruits and vegetables reached $US 1.83 billion, an increase of 19.4% over the same period in 2017.

In the first 5 months ofthe export market in 2018, fruits and vegetables to the major markets increased significantly. In particular, the Chinese market’s export turnover reached $US 1.2 billion, an increase of 18.1% over the same period in 2017, followed by the US market with $US 50.9 million, an increase of 14.6% over the same period in 2017. In markets such as Japan, Korea and Thailand, export turnover also increased by 8%, 15.4% and 26% respectively over the same period last year.

At present, China is still the main export market of Vietnam’s vegetables and fruits, accounting for 74.6% of the total export turnover in the first 5 months of 2018.

According to the Import-Export Department (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade), export of fruits and vegetables to the Chinese market has the advantage of the country's consumption demand, geographical location, habits and consumption, which is quite similar to Vietnam. However, the demand for high quality goods in the Chinese market is also increasing and this is the general trend in the world market.

Therefore, in addition to improving the quality of products, domestic exporters should focus on understanding the crop in China to grow the vegetables and fruits which do not coincide with their crop.

The Import-Export Department said that Vietnam's fruit and vegetable export prospects are positive in the coming time. Under the agricultural restructuring program, the area of conversion from ineffective rice land to fruit tree production is increasing.

The expansion of export market is essential in the current context. However, in order to do this, exporters need to produce based on the demand, in line with the standards and requirements of quality and food safety of export markets. When products meet importer’s requirements businesses can promote exports.