Vietnam’s fruit sector has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last two decades, with dragon fruit emerging as the top export fruit of the country. Once overshadowed by durian and other tropical fruits, dragon fruit has taken center stage, earning Vietnam recognition as the world’s largest exporter of this exotic, health-rich fruit. According to the latest Vietnam export customs data, dragon fruit exports were valued at USD 600 million in 2024, representing 80–85% of national production headed to foreign markets.
This article provides an in-depth, data-driven look at dragon fruit Vietnam export performance in 2024–25, covering production, supply, export destinations, trade values, challenges, and strategic opportunities. By analyzing Vietnam shipment data and trade trends, we can better understand where the industry is headed and what it will take to maintain global leadership.
Dragon Fruit Production and Supply in Vietnam
Dragon fruit cultivation in Vietnam spans over 55,000 hectares nationwide, generating more than 1 million tons annually. Three provinces dominate the supply chain:
- Binh Thuan Province – The “dragon fruit capital” of Vietnam, producing nearly 60% of total supply.
- Long An Province – Known for both white- and red-fleshed dragon fruit varieties.
- Tien Giang Province – A modernized farming hub with certified planting areas.
Approximately 80–85% of this production is exported, underscoring the critical role of global trade for local farmers and exporters. According to Vietnam dragon fruit export data, the majority of shipments are sent as fresh fruit, but there is growing interest in value-added products such as juices, powders, and dried dragon fruit.
Key Export Destinations: Dragon Fruit Vietnam Export by Country
Vietnam has consistently supplied dragon fruit to a wide range of markets, from neighboring Asian countries to distant Western nations. Vietnam shipment data for 2024–25 reveals the following top destinations:
- China – USD 480 million (80%)
China remains the single largest importer of Vietnam dragon fruit, benefiting from proximity and high consumer demand. However, stricter regulations and rising domestic production are posing challenges. - India – USD 30 million (5%)
India is an emerging growth market, with increasing demand for exotic fruits among middle-class consumers. Imports of Vietnam dragon fruit surged by 35% in 2024. - United States – USD 24 million (4%)
Thanks to compliance with phytosanitary standards, exports to the U.S. have doubled year-on-year. The U.S. market favors premium red-fleshed dragon fruit. - United Kingdom – USD 18 million (3%)
British supermarkets are expanding their exotic fruit offerings, with Vietnam dragon fruit exports seeing a rise in recent years. - Germany – USD 12 million (2%)
German consumers value both health and sustainability, making certified dragon fruit attractive.
Other significant destinations include the UAE, South Korea, Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Together, these markets provide diversification beyond China, which is crucial for long-term stability.
Export Performance in the Last 10 Years
The past decade illustrates both the highs and lows of the dragon fruit Vietnam export industry.
- Peak export value: USD 1.3 billion in 2018
- Gradual decline: USD 1.05 billion in 2019 → USD 600 million in 2024
- Early 2025: USD 93.8 million in the first two months
While export earnings have dropped since the 2018 peak, the industry is stabilizing and reemerging as Vietnam’s top fruit export.
Export Prices and Certifications
Dragon fruit prices in Vietnam are highly volatile. Farm-gate prices range from VND 23,000–35,000 per kilogram for premium fruit but can drop to as low as VND 10,000 during peak harvests. Such volatility affects farmers’ profits and discourages long-term investments.
To remain competitive in Western markets, certifications are essential. Binh Thuan alone has:
- 9,500+ hectares VietGAP-certified
- 450+ hectares GlobalGAP-certified
- 548 planting area codes and 260 packing facility codes
These certifications improve traceability, boost confidence in quality, and support access to the U.S., EU, and Japanese markets.
Challenges Facing Vietnam Dragon Fruit Exports
Despite its global dominance, the dragon fruit Vietnam export sector faces several hurdles:
- Regulatory barriers – China and the EU have tightened inspections for chemical residues and pesticide use, leading to delays and higher costs.
- Overreliance on China – With 80% of exports going to China, any slowdown directly impacts farmers and exporters.
- Logistics & infrastructure gaps – Perishability demands strong cold chain logistics, which are still underdeveloped.
- Price volatility – Oversupply during harvest seasons causes drastic price drops, undermining profitability.
- Climate risks – Drought and extreme weather threaten yields, especially in arid regions like Binh Thuan.
Opportunities and Strategic Insights
To sustain growth, the Vietnam dragon fruit industry must transition from a volume-driven to a value-driven strategy. Key opportunities include:
- Market diversification – Expanding exports to India, Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East reduces dependency on China.
- Value-added products – Freeze-dried, powdered, and juiced dragon fruit can target health-conscious consumers and reduce spoilage.
- Post-harvest investments – Cold storage, advanced packaging, and transportation systems can open up more distant markets.
- Brand building – Positioning Vietnam dragon fruit as a premium, sustainable product will enhance consumer trust and support higher margins.
- Sustainability practices – Eco-friendly farming methods and water-efficient irrigation can strengthen global appeal.
Outlook for 2025
Looking forward, 2025 is shaping up as a pivotal year. If diversification and logistics improvements succeed, export earnings could surpass USD 800 million. While China will remain the dominant market, exports to Western nations, India, and the Middle East are expected to grow at double-digit rates.
With improved branding, certification coverage, and investment in supply chain resilience, dragon fruit Vietnam export can continue leading the global market while supporting rural livelihoods across Vietnam.
Conclusion
Vietnam remains the world leader in dragon fruit exports, with over 1 million tons of annual production and a strong base in Binh Thuan, Long An, and Tien Giang. However, the sector is at a crossroads. Reliance on China has proven risky, and stricter import regulations have increased compliance burdens. On the other hand, opportunities in India, the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East provide new avenues for growth.
The success of dragon fruit Vietnam export will depend on balancing these dynamics—diversifying markets, upgrading supply chains, strengthening certifications, and promoting value-added products. With strategic reforms, Vietnam dragon fruit can retain its global leadership and unlock a more sustainable and profitable future.
