Decline follows China’s updated inspection measures after discovering Auramine O residues in Thai shipments late last year
Vietnam’s durian exports have plummeted 80 per cent to 3,500 tonnes in the first half of February 2025, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). Asia News Newtwork (ANN) has reported the decrease in volume has caused Vietnam’s export revenue to drop 11.3 per cent month-on-month and 5.2 per cent year-on-year.
The export decline is primarily due to China’s updated inspection measures implemented in January following the discovery of Auramine O (also known as Basic Yellow 2 or BY2) residues in Thai durian shipments. The new measures require residue testing for all shipments in accredited laboratories, which has caused significant delays at the border.
While deputy chairman of Lạng Sơn Province’s people’s committee, Đoàn Thanh Sơn told ANN that China had issued multiple warnings urging Vietnamese exporters to improve quality control, many traders have yet to fully adapt.
According to the publication, MARD has instructed relevant agencies and local authorities to implement stricter quality management models, emphasising compliant chemical use in plantations and packaging facilities. The Vietnamese government is also negotiating with China to restore previous export regulations.
As the season hits its peak, some exporters are seeking alternative markets or selling domestically to reduce over-reliance on China. However, the Vietnamese government is also negotiating with China to restore previous export regulations. Six additional testing laboratories have also been submitted for approval by China to help speed up the inspection process.
