Key markets recorded an increase of 10-50% over the same period in 2023, except for the Netherlands, which reduced its purchases.

China, Thailand and South Korea continued to be the big markets for Vietnamese produce. By the end of May, their imports increased by 30-60% year-on-year, with Thailand and South Korea spending $74.5 million and $136 million, respectively.

China’s import of Vietnamese agricultural products reached $1.7 billion in the first five months, up 33% year-on-year.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, told The Investor that Vietnam has been reaping the benefits of geographical proximity and culinary similarities in its exports to China.

He said the estimated $7.5 billion in 2024 exports of fruits and vegetables this year would mark an increase of 35% over 2023.

Fruit and vegetable export turnover in 2023 reached a record of $5.69 billion, an increase of nearly 70% over the previous year.

China was the biggest buyer of Vietnamese fruits and veggies last year at more than $3.7 billion, up 149% year-on-year and more than $2 billion over the 2022 figure.