Vietnam accounted for 97% of China’s mango imports in the first quarter, far exceeding competitors such as Thailand and Australia.

China’s US$29 million mango imports jumped 21 times year-on-year, according to China customs.

Among six countries it imported from, Vietnam was the only one with growth. The remaining markets were Cambodia, Peru, Australia, Thailand and the Philippines.

Around US$28 million worth of Vietnamese mango was bought by China, a surge of 145 times year-on-year, with average prices rising nearly 73%.

Thailand used to be a large exporter of mango to China but saw its ranking dropped to the fifth position, with shipment falling 70% to US$65,000.

Low logistics costs and proximity to China make Vietnamese mangoes highly accessible.

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association notes that Vietnamese mangoes stand out due to their high quality, affordable prices, favorable harvest seasons, high productivity, and low labor costs.

"Local varieties such as Hoa Loc and Cat Chu offer a rich, delicious flavor that suits Chinese consumer tastes," an association spokesperson said.

Experts attribute Vietnam’s dominance to its competitive pricing, with mangoes averaging $700 per ton, comparable to Cambodia and far below the $6,000 to $11,000 per ton charged by Thailand, Peru, Australia, and the Philippines.

China’s demand for mangoes has soared in recent years, fueled by a growing preference for tropical fruits for both fresh consumption and processing. A domestic supply shortage during off-season months makes imported mangoes critical for market stability.

Vietnam produces approximately one million tons of mangoes annually. Beyond China, it also exports to the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Nearly 2,000 hectares of mango orchards in the Mekong Delta are certified under global standards, meeting China’s rigorous requirements.

Vietnam’s ability to produce mangoes off-season, particularly from September to March, aligns with China’s supply shortages. During this period, top-grade mangoes can command prices up to VND100,000 VND per kilogram.

However, starting this month, when China’s domestic mango season begins, demand for Vietnamese mangoes has dropped sharply, causing some domestic prices to fall to just a few thousand Vietnamese dong (a few U.S. cents) per kilogram.

Australian mango grown in Vietnam sells for just 20 cents/kg after 80% plunge

Source: VnExpress