Durian exports jump 6-fold

Most other fruit exports saw double-digit growth, though banana and dragon fruit saw declines, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

With durian entering the harvest season, some 700 trucks, many carrying the fruit, were stuck at the Vietnam-China border last week, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had to step in and order officials to clear the congestion on May 31.

Vietnam now has 293 durian farming areas and 115 packaging facilities approved for exports to China.

The two countries signed a protocol last year for export of fresh durian. Mangosteen and banana have also been approved for exports through official channels to China.

Vietnam is negotiating with its neighbor to also export other fresh fruits such as watermelon, lychee, longan, rambutan, and mango.