Vietnam’s durian sector has become tightly linked to China, so any change in that market or in the harvest can affect the whole industry. Understanding this dependence helps explain recent export swings.

China accounted for 95.5% of Vietnam's durian export revenue in the first nine months of 2026, up from 93.5% a year earlier. Total export revenue was about $3.45 billion, with nearly $3.3 billion coming from China.

In September 2026 export revenue fell 23.8% month‑on‑month, dropping below the hoped‑for $1 billion mark. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of VINAFRUIT, said the slowdown was partly caused by heavy rain and unpredictable weather in the Central Highlands, which reduced the amount of fruit meeting export standards.

Despite the fresh‑fruit dip, frozen durian shipments grew strongly. According to Nguyen, frozen durian exports reached $581.8 million, a 63.2% increase year on year, helping to offset the challenges faced by fresh fruit exports.

Because more than 95% of revenue comes from China, the Vietnamese durian industry remains highly exposed to developments in that market. The current situation shows how reliance on a single buyer can create economic vulnerability.