Dragon fruit and banana exports fetched US$93.8 million and $71.8 million during the period, according to customs data.

Durian shipments plummeted by 69% from a year earlier to $52.7 million, with exports to China, the biggest market for the fruit, declining by 83% to $27 million.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said the main reason was stricter quality requirements in China and some other major markets.

China has tightened inspection for Auramine O, a carcinogen, resulting in many shipments being held up at customs.

The U.S. has banned seven types of plant protection chemicals and requires growing areas and packaging facilities to have codes issued by its Department of Agriculture.

Europe has doubled the inspection rate for pesticide residues for Vietnamese durian to 20%.

Many Vietnamese farmers struggle to manage the level of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, in their durian while packaging facilities face challenges in preserving fruits post-harvest.

Fruits from large orchards that meet food safety and export standards fetch high prices, but they account for just a fraction of current supply.

Ri 6 durians of the highest grade were selling for VND75,000 (US$2.87) per kilogram as of Monday, while those of lower quality are priced at VND35,000-40,000.

Manh Khuong, a durian trader in the Mekong Delta, said exports to Japan and South Korea remain stable but shipments to China face many barriers

He mostly sells the fruit in the domestic market now since prices are relatively steady, he said.

Businesses are optimistic that exports will pick up once frozen durian shipments to China ramp up and when the main harvest begins in June.

Vietnam was given the green light to export frozen durian to China last August and sent its first batch on March 24.

A 24-ton shipment was sent by Nam Do Agricultural Products and originated in Krong Pac District in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak.

Source: VnExpress