Fruits, vegetables exports hit nearly US$1.8 bln in first half

According to the statistics of Products Processing and Market Development Department, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as of the end of 2020, Viet Nam earned US$1.79 billion from exporting fruits and vegetables, down 12.2% compared to the same period last year. 

Exports to such markets saw high growths as Thailand US$68 million (up 233.4%), the Republic of Korea US$67.4 million (up 21.8%), the US US$62 million (up 6.1%), Japan US$57.7 million (up 15.5%) and the Netherlands US$34 million (up 9%). 

China remained the largest importer of Viet Nam’s fruits and vegetables in the first five months of this year, with the import value of US$906.1 million, making up 60.4% and a year-on-year decrease 29.1%. 

The Products Processing and Market Development Department stated that as the EU commits to paving the way for Viet Nam’s fruits and vegetables after the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement takes effects since August 1, 94% of 547 tariff lines relevant to fruits and vegetables will be eliminated. 

In addition, despite consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan has promoted imports of Viet Nam’s fruits and vegetables such as bananas, dragon fruits, litchi and sweet potatoes. 

By Thuy Dung