Will fruit and vegetable exports "boom" in 2023?

	Struggle to achieve the target for fruit and vegetable exports
	If China does not remove "Zero Covid", fruit and vegetable exports cannot make a breakthrough
	Fruit and vegetable exports to China continue to face difficulties

It is forecasted that fruit and vegetable exports will have many favourable conditions in 2023. Photo: Internet

'Breaking' the market, flourishing in China

According to the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), the data from the General Department of Customs, in the 11 months of 2022, the export value of vegetables and fruits was estimated at USD 3.1 billion, down 4.9% over the same period in 2021. In particular, the export of vegetables and fruits to the Chinese market prospered. As a result, it is expected that in 2022, fruit and vegetable exports will earn about USD 3.4 billion.

According to Mr Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, in the past 11 months, the export of many fruit and vegetable products has been positive. Notably, durian, dragon fruit, and banana have been officially exported to the Chinese market thanks to the protocols signed between Vietnam and China. Recently, the two sides signed a protocol on phytosanitary requirements for Vietnamese sweet potatoes imported into China, which will also open up opportunities to export sweet potatoes to this market.

From the perspective of export enterprises, Ms Ngo Tuong Vy, General Director of Chanh Thu Fruit Export-Import Group Joint Stock Company, shared: "After 2 years of the pandemic, thanks to good preparation, the export of vegetables and fruits has been achieved commendably. Notably, in 2022, Vietnam's durian and pomelo products have opened up to "difficult" markets. As a result, Chanh Thu and many fruit export enterprises will have quite high growth in 2022.

Discussing with a reporter from Customs Magazine, Mr Nguyen Quang Hieu, Head of the Department of International Cooperation and Communication (Department of Plant Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), analyzed that in 2022, it is necessary to especially emphasize the prestige of enterprises and management agencies in promoting the export of key agricultural products. Vietnam's fruit products have many differences compared to many other countries, so the market favours them. In addition, the timely entry of trade promotion is also a factor that helps to "crack" the market better.

Particularly for the plant protection sector, in 2022, many achievements were reached. For example, in the Chinese market, chilli was exported again at the beginning of the year, and then passion fruit was opened to the market; at the end of the year, durian and sweet potato were officially exported. It is also very convenient with other markets, such as exporting pomelo to New Zealand. "In the future, we hope to have more agricultural products from Vietnam exported to many markets around the world," said Mr Hieu.

Exports in 2023 are expected to be 4 billion USD

Regarding the "picture" of fruit and vegetable export in 2023, talking to a reporter from Customs Magazine, Mr Dang Phuc Nguyen, said that this could be a boom year for the fruit and vegetable industry.

"Currently, the market is gradually opening up, reducing the control of the Covid-19 epidemic, creating better conditions for import and export. In addition, gradually, the difficulties in logistics and transportation have been removed, and the freight rates are getting lower and cheaper, creating more favourable conditions for Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports, "said Nguyen.

New export items that will be opened in many markets in 2022 and the positive impacts from the 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has signed and implemented will create a great impetus for vegetable exports.

"In 2023, export growth will reach about 20% compared to 2022. In 2022, reaching 3.4 billion USD, and in 2023, fruit and vegetable exports can reach 4 billion USD," forecasted Mr Dang Phuc Nguyen.

According to Mr Nguyen Quang Hieu, following the success of 2022, in 2023, the plant protection industry will continue to take advantage of the advantages of Vietnamese fruit products. For example, the Chinese market will continue with citrus products such as oranges and grapefruits. With markets in developed countries such as the US, it will continue with passion fruit products and coconut. In addition, Vietnam can take advantage of opening the Japanese market for longan.

That is the strategy to pursue, open to big markets, markets with new products. In addition, the Plant Protection Department continues to study new treatment measures for Vietnamese fruit exports, replacing the treatment measures proposed by countries with great costs and efforts. The goal is to find a suitable solution for Vietnam to help businesses gain a competitive advantage.

"Besides opening the market, the plant protection industry will continue to maintain its achievements. Currently, the knowledge of the manufacturer's regulations is still limited. Therefore, the Plant Protection Department will continue to innovate training methods. For example, the Department has built a website, sansangxuatkhau.ppd.gov.vn, to upload basic data from growing areas and packing fastest to users while developing training materials, videos, audiobooks", shared Mr Hieu.

Ms Ngo Tuong Vy also said that recently, the price of durian from Chanh Thu Company in the Chinese market is not inferior to Thai brands. This is a stepping stone, and 2023 will be an accelerating year for Chanh Thu, especially with durian products. Enterprises will strengthen links with farmers and cooperatives to increase the number of planting areas to meet more for the Chinese market.

"Soon, we will bring durian products branded Chanh Thu to the Chinese market. When making branded products, we have the right to choose customers to increase our competitive advantage. Therefore, we hope that localities and farmers will accompany us," said Ms Vy.