Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports reached US$1.48 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 27% from the same period a year earlier, according to a Xinhua report dated March 31. It marks a smooth start toward the US$10 billion annual export target set by the Vietnamese government.
First-quarter export results
According to data from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT), fruit and vegetable exports in January–March 2026 came to US$1.48 billion, a sharp increase from about US$1.16 billion in the same period a year earlier. Imports also rose 25.7% year on year to US$761.4 million, showing that Vietnam's fruit and vegetable trade as a whole is on an expanding track.
Driving this growth is robust demand in the Chinese market. Durian in particular recorded around US$4 billion in exports in 2025, growing into Vietnam's largest fruit and vegetable export item. Major items such as banana, mango, jackfruit, coconut and pomelo are also expanding their trade volumes via official export routes while advancing the development of growing-area codes and the introduction of traceability systems.
Feasibility of the US$10 billion annual target
The Vietnamese government has set its 2026 fruit and vegetable export target at US$10 billion. The 2025 result was an estimated US$8.5 billion (up 18% year on year), a record high, meaning 2026 requires a further roughly 18% increase.
The Q1 result of US$1.48 billion annualizes to about US$5.9 billion, falling short of US$10 billion. However, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports tend every year to rise sharply in the summer durian and lychee season, so the Q2–Q3 results hold the key. The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association has expressed the view that the target is 'fully achievable' if quality control is thoroughly enforced, traceability strengthened, investment made in post-harvest technology, and markets diversified in a comprehensive way.
Infrastructure development supporting export expansion
Vietnam has in recent years focused on strengthening its fruit and vegetable export base. Specifically, it is advancing the standardization and expansion of growing-area codes (cultivation-area codes), stronger management of aquaculture pond codes, and the development of raw-material sourcing areas based on market needs. Expanded access to high-standard markets such as the United States, Japan and the EU also continues, and Vietnam's coconut industry is representative of how a diverse range of agricultural products is making inroads into international markets.
In addition, the Mekong Delta region centered on Can Tho City is strengthening its hub functions for aggregating, processing and distributing agricultural products, supporting export expansion from the logistics side. The government has introduced tax incentives for startups in the agritech field, and there are reports that this has increased technology-adoption rates among farmers by 30%.
Points to watch going forward
Three points in particular draw attention for 2026 fruit and vegetable exports. First, whether durian exports to China will continue to be the biggest driver. Second, Dak Lak Province in the Central Highlands and the development of new export items in regions where fruit-tree cultivation other than coffee is expanding. Third, how far processed-goods exports beyond fresh produce can grow through the expansion of deep processing.
The 27% increase in the first quarter is strong, but achieving the unprecedented target of US$10 billion requires about US$8.5 billion in exports over the remaining nine months. The success or failure of the summer fruit season looks set to decide the fate of the target.
