Vietnam's banana exports are gaining market share in both China and Japan, according to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT).
Government News reported that Vietnamese bananas have overtaken those from the Philippines to claim the largest share of China's import market. "Since the beginning of the year, Vietnamese bananas have captured nearly 50% of China's import market share, thanks to improvements in quality, appearance, and logistical advantages. Meanwhile, bananas from the Philippines have declined in output due to storms, disease outbreaks, and transportation challenges," Nguyen was quoted as saying.
Banana exports brought Vietnam US$378 million in 2024, and the product is expected to move toward the billion-dollar export category. In China, bananas are widely consumed both fresh and as ingredients in cakes and jams.
In Japan, Vietnam benefits from tariff advantages under the CPTPP agreement. Import duties on bananas, currently 5.4%, are scheduled to gradually decline to 0% by 2028, improving access for Vietnamese exporters in this market.
Nguyen noted three factors supporting competitiveness in Asian markets, including Japan. These are competitive quality and pricing, logistical strengths that facilitate transport, and banana varieties with resistance to Panama wilt disease, which affects production in several growing regions worldwide.
According to VINAFRUIT, in the first half of 2025, bananas ranked third among Vietnam's fruit exports after durian and dragon fruit. Export earnings for bananas reached US$233 million, an increase of nearly 55% compared to the same period last year.
Source: VnEconomy