Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports in 2022 reached US$3.4 billion, a decrease of 6.6% compared to 2021 (exports in 2021 reached US$3.55 billion). Meanwhile, fruit and vegetable imports reached over US$2 billion, an increase of 35% compared to 2021. Thus, the fruit and vegetable sector still had a trade surplus of approximately US$1.3 billion.
Although Vietnam's vegetable and fruit exports still exceed imports by billions of dollars, the gap between exports and imports seems to be narrowing. Importing vegetables and fruits is considered normal given the large number of foreign tourists visiting Vietnam and the preference of many Vietnamese people for imported produce. However, when the balance between exports and imports of vegetables and fruits narrows, it clearly raises serious concerns. As we integrate more deeply into the global economy, the competition for productivity, quality, and price intensifies for all goods. However, concerns for the vegetable and fruit industry are not only a matter of concern for all levels of government and relevant sectors, but also something every citizen needs to understand properly.
Vegetables and fruits are seasonal products. Regions with tropical climates like Vietnam have many advantages for developing vegetables and fruits, but climate change is becoming increasingly unpredictable, while the application of science and technology in cultivation is not yet widespread, leading to many crop failures. In related developments, many countries without these advantages are strongly applying science and technology to produce more vegetables and fruits for domestic consumption and export. Notably, the largest partner of Vietnam's vegetable and fruit industry is China, with exports (in the first 11 months) reaching nearly US$1.4 billion, a decrease of 22% compared to 2021, and market share falling from 54% to 45% this year. Meanwhile, imports of vegetables and fruits from China reached US$765 million, an increase of 83%, and market share increased from 31% to nearly 41% compared to the same period in 2021.
The statistics above show that we still have a trade surplus in fruits and vegetables, but the balance between exports and imports is clearly narrowing. After the pandemic, China reopened its borders, meaning that exports and imports will be more active, but with both advantages and disadvantages. Notably, Chinese fruits and vegetables that are heavily consumed in the Vietnamese market include apples, grapes, oranges, tangerines, garlic, green beans, onions, shallots, enoki mushrooms, potatoes, oyster mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, and cabbage… While our country can still produce these well, our market share has shrunk. "Rice without vegetables is like medicine without pain" – in our country, fruits and vegetables are staple foods and many are considered inexpensive yet effective remedies… Therefore, consolidating the "position" of fruits and vegetables is crucial for agricultural development.
Article by: Nguyen Nguyen
Illustrative image: Archival material
