Dragon fruit has surpassed durian to be the top export fruit in January as shipment of the latter to China plunged amid tightened inspection.

Exports of dragon fruit jumped 35% from December to $58 million in January, according to Vietnam Customs.

Durian, however, fell 73% year-on-year to $31 million, mostly due to an 83% drop in shipment to China, the biggest market.

Durian has been heavily affected by new regulations from China, which tightened inspections to prevent a substance with potential carcinogenic risks, said Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.

This has caused many durian shipments to be held up, forcing businesses to sell them at lower prices in the domestic market, he added.

Durians are also facing challenges in other markets.

The U.S. has banned seven pesticide active ingredients and requires a planting area code and packaging code issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Europe has increased the pesticide residue testing rate for many types of fruits from 10% to 20%.

With increasing barriers, durian exports are expected to face challenges in the first quarter.

In some southern provinces, Vietnam variety Ri6 durian prices have dropped by around 27% within a week.

Last year, durian set a record with an export value of US$3.3 billion, surpassing traditional top export category rice.

Source: VnExpress