In the first months of 2026, fruit and vegetable exports recorded impressive growth, laying the foundation for the target of 10 billion USD. However, to maintain the growth momentum and increase value, the industry needs to comprehensively address issues related to quality, packaging, and supply chain linkages.

According to the Import-Export Department ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), in January 2026, the export value of fruits and vegetables reached US$644 million, an increase of 73% compared to the same period in 2025. In February, despite the impact of the Lunar New Year holiday, the export value reached US$351 million, still an increase of nearly 12% compared to the same period.

In the first two months of the year, fruit and vegetable exports reached $996 million, a 45% increase compared to the same period last year – a significant increase amidst the volatile global trade environment.

Notably, exports to the Chinese market continued to thrive. In the first two months of the year, the value reached $538 million, an increase of 76.2%.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said: "China's demand for imported fruits remains very high, especially for tropical products. If quality control and traceability are well-maintained, the growth potential for Vietnamese fruits and vegetables in this market is still very large."

According to experts, Viet Nam's rise to the top group of suppliers to the Chinese market, especially for products such as durian, bananas, coconuts, and longan, is an important foundation for expanding market share in the future.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal are impacting global supply chains, reducing the supply of fruits and vegetables from Europe and the Americas to Asia.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, an expert in agricultural logistics, commented: "The geographical proximity to Asian markets gives Vietnamese agricultural products a clear advantage in terms of delivery time and transportation costs in the context of a volatile global supply chain."

In addition, the decline in supply from some South American countries such as Chile, Peru, and Ecuador also opens up opportunities for Vietnamese fruits to increase their market share.

However, according to the Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association, logistics costs remain a factor that needs to be addressed. The association recommends solutions to support businesses in reducing costs and diversifying transportation routes to mitigate risks.

In addition, the domestic transportation infrastructure system, especially the North-South expressways, is gradually being improved, contributing to shortening transportation time and enhancing the preservation efficiency of fresh agricultural products.

Despite achieving high growth, the fruit and vegetable industry still faces limitations in post-harvest technology, especially in packaging.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh, a food technology expert, stated: "Packaging not only serves a protective function but also determines the shelf life and quality of the product. Inappropriate packaging will increase losses and reduce competitiveness."

Currently, several advanced technologies such as MAP (modified atmosphere packaging), bio-coating, and EMAP are being applied to extend shelf life and reduce post-harvest losses.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Toan, Director of the Department of Agricultural Product Processing and Market Development ( Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ), emphasized: "Investing in preservation, packaging, and deep processing technologies is a crucial solution to increase added value and expand export markets."

Furthermore, the trend towards environmentally friendly, recyclable packaging with integrated traceability is becoming a mandatory requirement from importing markets.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the target of achieving $10 billion in fruit and vegetable exports by 2026 is achievable if market opportunities and free trade agreements are effectively utilized.

However, to maintain its growth momentum, the fruit and vegetable industry needs to shift strongly towards sustainable development, focusing on quality control, product diversification, and strengthening supply chain linkages.

Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen recommended: "Businesses need to pay more attention to quality standards, brand building, and meeting the increasingly high technical requirements of the international market."

With continued market demand, coupled with geographical advantages and improved logistics infrastructure, Viet Nam's fruit and vegetable industry is poised for significant growth. However, addressing bottlenecks in quality, packaging, and technology will be crucial to achieving the $10 billion target and elevating Vietnamese agricultural products in the global market.

Source: ChinhPhuNews
 

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