Vietnam’s Dragon Fruit Export: Data-Driven Insights for 2024–25

Vietnam’s dragon fruit export industry stands as one of the most remarkable success stories in the global horticulture sector. Over the past two decades, Vietnam dragon fruit has grown from a niche crop to the world’s leading export fruit, reaching markets across Asia, Europe, and North America. As of 2024–25, the dragon fruit Vietnam export market continues to thrive, though it faces emerging challenges tied to global regulations, market dependency, and fluctuating farm-gate prices.

According to Vietnam export customs data, the total value of dragon fruit Vietnam export in 2024 reached around $600 million, marking a slight 1% decline compared to the previous year. Despite this, Vietnam remains the largest dragon fruit exporter in the world, maintaining its leadership in global trade.

Dragon Fruit Vietnam: Production and Supply Base

Vietnam dragon fruit cultivation spans over 55,000 hectares nationwide, concentrated in three key provinces:

• Binh Thuan Province – Known as the “dragon fruit capital” of Vietnam, contributing nearly 60% of total cultivation.

• Long An Province – A vital hub for both white-fleshed and red-fleshed dragon fruit varieties.

• Tien Giang Province – A growing production center with modernized, certified planting areas.

These provinces collectively produce over 1 million tons of dragon fruit annually, of which 80–85% is exported. The reliance on foreign markets underscores the crop’s economic significance, directly supporting thousands of farmers and exporters.

Vietnam Dragon Fruit Export by Country

Vietnam’s dragon fruit exports reach diverse destinations, from neighboring Asian nations to distant Western markets. The Vietnam export customs data for 2024–25 identifies the following top 10 export destinations:

1. China – $480 million (80%)

2. India – $30 million (5%)

3. United States – $24 million (4%)

4. United Kingdom – $18 million (3%)

5. Germany – $12 million (2%)

6. UAE – $9 million (1.5%)

7. South Korea – $7 million (1.2%)

8. Australia – $6 million (1%)

9. Netherlands – $5 million (0.8%)

10. New Zealand – $4 million (0.5%)

China remains the largest importer, driven by strong consumer demand and proximity. However, dragon fruit Vietnam export markets like India, the U.S., and Europe are rapidly expanding as Vietnam diversifies its trade portfolio.

Export Performance: Trends and Data Insights

Between 2014 and 2025, Vietnam exports of dragon fruit have shown a dynamic trajectory. Export value peaked at $1.3 billion in 2018, followed by gradual stabilization around $600–700 million in recent years.

The early months of 2025 have already seen positive signs, with dragon fruit reclaiming its position as Vietnam’s top fruit export, surpassing durian. The Vietnam export customs data shows that shipments in early 2025 accounted for 14.3% of total fruit and vegetable exports.

Regional Export Performance

At the provincial level, Binh Thuan remains the powerhouse of the dragon fruit Vietnam export industry. In the first five months of 2025, the province recorded over 20% growth in export value and a 9.8% increase in volume.

Most shipments to China still pass through northern border gates like Lang Son and Lao Cai, though maritime and air freight to Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East are increasing. This diversification in transport modes helps Vietnam reduce dependence on land routes and expand to premium markets.

Export Prices and Quality Standards

Farm-gate prices for Vietnam dragon fruit are highly volatile. In early 2025, premium white-fleshed varieties sold for VND 23,000–35,000 per kg ($0.90–1.37), while lower-grade fruit dropped as low as VND 10,000/kg during harvest peaks.

To meet international standards, Vietnam has made significant progress in certification and quality control:

• 9,500+ hectares certified under VietGAP.

• 450+ hectares certified under GlobalGAP for access to the EU, U.S., and Japan.

• 548 planting codes and 260 packing facility codes in Binh Thuan alone.

These certifications enhance Vietnam’s competitiveness and allow exporters to target high-value markets with strict import requirements.

Challenges in Dragon Fruit Vietnam Export

Despite strong global demand, the dragon fruit Vietnam export sector faces multiple headwinds:

1. Regulatory Challenges:
   China has tightened import protocols, mandating lab tests for chemical residues. Similarly, the EU enforces stricter pesticide standards, leading to potential shipment rejections.

2. Price Volatility:
   Oversupply during harvest seasons causes price crashes, undermining farmer incomes and investment in quality upgrades.

3. Logistics Bottlenecks:
   Border delays, limited cold chain infrastructure, and rising transport costs pose challenges for perishable shipments.

4. Overdependence on China:
   With nearly 80% of exports going to China, any policy or demand shift can severely impact Vietnam’s trade performance.

5. Climate Risks:
   Droughts and erratic weather patterns threaten production, particularly in arid provinces like Binh Thuan.

Strategic Opportunities and Growth Outlook

To ensure sustainable growth, Vietnam exports must transition from a volume-driven to a value-driven model. Key opportunities include:

1. Market Diversification

India, Europe, and North America present enormous potential for long-term stability. These markets are less volatile and offer higher margins.

2. Value-Added Products

Vietnam can expand into dried, powdered, and juice-based dragon fruit products. These processed goods have longer shelf lives and attract health-conscious consumers worldwide.

3. Post-Harvest and Cold Chain Investments

Modernizing packaging, storage, and logistics systems can significantly reduce waste and preserve quality, especially for distant exports.

4. Branding and Sustainability

Positioning Vietnam dragon fruit as a premium, eco-friendly product—similar to Thailand’s durian branding—can attract premium buyers. Emphasizing traceability, sustainability, and origin will strengthen global perception.

Forecast for 2025

Looking ahead, dragon fruit Vietnam export is expected to continue growing in 2025. If diversification and logistics improvements succeed, export revenue could exceed USD 800 million.

• China may still lead, but its share could decline due to domestic cultivation.

• India and the Middle East will drive new growth opportunities.

• Western markets will expand rapidly, fueled by compliance with phytosanitary and quality standards.

Conclusion: The Future of Vietnam Dragon Fruit Exports

Vietnam’s position as the world’s largest dragon fruit exporter is both an achievement and a challenge. The country’s success story now depends on adaptability—balancing between sustaining traditional markets and expanding into new, high-value regions.

To secure long-term gains, Vietnam must invest in technology, certification, and global branding while maintaining compliance with stringent import standards. With these strategies, dragon fruit Vietnam export can not only retain its global leadership but also pave the way for a more sustainable, profitable, and resilient fruit trade ecosystem.

For more insights and the latest Vietnam export customs data, visit VietnamExportData or contact info@tradeimex.in to access verified trade statistics, supplier data, and customized market reports.