first batch of frozen durians from Vietnam was exported to China

Immediately following the direct meeting between Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy and Ms. Ton Mai Quan, Director General of the General Administration of Customs of China, on May 30, Vietnam’s frozen durian was exported to the Chinese market for the first time. The shipment was cleared through the Bac Luan II border gate crossing, part of the Mong Cai (Vietnam) – Dongxing (China) border gate pair.

Accordingly, the shipment consisted of 22 tons of frozen durians, produced and exported by Vina M & B Export and Trading Co., Ltd. (Hanoi), with the importing partner being Shanghai Xinronghe International Trade Co., Ltd. (Shanghai).

The 22-ton shipment of frozen durian underwent strict control measures throughout the entire supply chain – from the traceability of raw materials and adherence to food safety standards in the production process, to the thorough inspection of each batch of finished products. These measures were implemented to ensure full compliance with the requirements set forth in the Protocol signed between Vietnam and China.

This shipment marks the first official export of Vietnam’s frozen durians to China under the bilateral protocol signed in August 2024. 

To achieve this success, during the in-person talks held on May 28, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy and General Administrator of the General Administration of Customs of China Sun Haiqun agreed to strengthen cooperation in agricultural trade and market access in the near future through the establishment of new mechanisms.

Notably, China will implement a “green lane for agricultural products,” giving priority clearance at border gates for Vietnam’s fresh fruits during peak harvest seasons — especially for lychee and durian.

In addition, working hours at border gates will be extended during the harvest period, including weekends and after official working hours. Both sides also agreed to establish an early warning mechanism and information-sharing system regarding shipments in violation, enabling Vietnam to promptly take corrective measures.

Furthermore, the establishment of permanent technical liaison points at border gates will help enhance coordination and ensure rapid and effective handling of arising issues.

To facilitate the export of Vietnamese durians in 2025 and the years to come, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam has put forward several concrete proposals for cooperation with the General Administration of Customs of China.

Requesting the General Administration of Customs of China to soon review and adjust food safety control measures for Vietnamese durians in a more business-friendly direction.

Facilitating faster customs clearance for durians, particularly during the peak harvest season.

Continuing to review and approve additional qualified laboratories that are capable of analyzing critical indicators such as cadmium and aureomycin (Vang O). This will support exporters in conducting pre-export quality testing efficiently and in accordance with the technical requirements set by China.

A “Billion-dollar” product conquering a “Billion-people” market

Amid increasing challenges in the export of fresh durians, frozen durians are opening up a new avenue of opportunity, promising to help Vietnam not only maintain but also expand its share of the Chinese market.

Recognizing this potential, Vina M & B Export and Trading Co., Ltd. has positioned itself at the forefront of Vietnam’s frozen durian export efforts. To support the expansion of frozen durian exports to China in the coming period, the company has announced plans to increase investment in deep-processing technology. This includes the adoption of advanced methods such as nitrogen freezing, segmented (pod) freezing, and freeze-drying. These technologies not only preserve the natural taste and nutritional value of durians but also significantly enhance product quality, helping to reduce the reliance on exporting unprocessed or semi-processed goods.

For processed durian products, the company has pledged to comply strictly with international food safety and hygiene standards, particularly the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system. At the same time, it is placing strong emphasis on raw material management, ensuring that all inputs are traceable.

As part of its long-term strategy, the company will focus on comprehensive control of the production chain, from sourcing and processing to quality evaluation, in order to better meet the increasingly stringent demands of international markets.