Vietnam's Durian and Lobster Exports to China Surge Sharply in Early 2026

HANOI — Vietnam’s exports of durian and lobster to China surged sharply in early 2026, reflecting the robust demand from the market for fresh commodities from the Southeast Asian country. Citing VN Express on Sunday (22/3/2026), official data indicate that this significant increase is also supporting the performance of the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors, although supply challenges still loom over some subsectors. In the first two months of 2026, the value of Vietnam’s durian exports to China rose 469% year-on-year. Meanwhile, lobster exports grew 65% over the same period. This performance reinforces China’s position as the primary market for Vietnam’s fresh products, particularly in the periods before and after the Lunar New Year, which typically falls between mid-January and mid-February. The surge in demand is also evident in durian prices at the farm level. High-quality Monthong durian is purchased at around 5.7 US dollars, or approximately Rp 96,650, per kilogram. The Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, Dang Phuc Nguyen, stated that the durian export boom was triggered by the resolution of quarantine-related barriers and seasonal advantages. He explained that as several countries have completed their durian harvest seasons, Vietnam’s off-season supply coincides with peak demand in China during the Lunar New Year celebrations. This situation has driven a sharp increase in orders from importers. The value of Vietnam’s lobster exports to China reached more than 259 million US dollars, or about Rp 4.39 trillion, in early 2026. Exports of green lobster, one of the main varieties, increased by 32%. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers noted that the enhanced competitiveness of lobster is supported by improvements in quality, product origin transparency, and traceability capabilities.