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Durian accounted for over 48% of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports to China, according to the General Department of Customs. Among other items, coconut exports nearly doubled, while those of dragon fruit, banana, and mango declined.

Durian export growth could continue to rise sharply in the second half, Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary general of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said.

He said the Central Highlands, the country’s largest durian-growing region, only recently entered its peak harvest season.

If the current pace is maintained, durian export growth in 2026 would exceed last year’s 20% rate, he added.

Durian exports are also expanding beyond the Chinese market. In July, India allowed imports of fresh Vietnamese durian, opening up a new market with a population of more than 1.4 billion.

But Nguyen said a large population does not mean the fruit would immediately sell well since durian remains relatively unfamiliar to most Indian consumers, and changes to eating habits and setting up of distribution systems would take time.

Initially, durian could see demand in major cities, imported-fruit stores, premium retail chains, hotels, restaurants, and e-commerce platforms, he said.

Frozen, dried or processed products could also give Vietnamese exporters a way to test the market while reducing pressure to sell fresh fruit during the peak harvest season.

Overall, China imported $2.04 billion worth of Vietnamese fruits and vegetables in the first half of the year, an increase of nearly 25%.