Durian Prices Plummet to $1/kg Amidst Rainy Season Quality Decline

Prolonged rains across southern and central highland provinces have impacted the quality of durians, leading to a 20-30% year-on-year drop in farm-gate prices. The Ri6 variety is now selling for as low as VND28,000 ($1.06) per kilogram, significantly affecting farmers. Manh, who cultivates 100 durian trees in Dong Nai Province, reported that Monthong durians are fetching VND55,000 per kilogram, a record low for the variety. "I am barely making a profit because fertilizer and labor costs have increased this year," he stated. In Dak Lak Province, Hanh noted that Monthong prices rarely fall below VND60,000, even during peak harvest. Vo Tan Loi, chairman of the Dong Thap Durian Association, explained that 30-40% of fruits in many growing areas have developed tough, less flavorful flesh due to the heavy rainfall. This scarcity of Grade A export-quality fruits is deterring traders from buying in large volumes. Hoang, a durian trader in the Mekong Delta, is purchasing only a third of his usual volume, citing concerns over potential heavy losses from excessive cadmium residues found in shipments to exporters. While the Mekong Delta harvest is concluding, the upcoming harvest in the southeast region has also been affected by recent heavy rains, suggesting potential quality inconsistencies there as well. Loi highlighted China's increasingly stringent import requirements. At a recent Vietnam-China Trade Forum, China's Ambassador to Vietnam emphasized that Chinese consumers prioritize product quality, food safety, and traceability. He added that adherence to strict quality control and import standards could lead to reduced inspection frequency and faster customs clearance. Information source: VnExpress International