Vietnamese fruit exporters have met strict requirements to increase shipments to the EU
Vietnamese fruit exports to the European Union have been on a steady growth trajectory, and the latest 2026 figures show further increases.
According to a report from VietNamNet, passionfruit has been a major driver of the growth, with exports to the EU reaching more than US$116mn in the first seven months of 2026, a 40 per cent increase on the figures for the same period in 2022.
Total fruit and vegetable exports to the EU reached a record US$343.3nmnin the first seven months of 2026, which represents 7.2 per cent of Vietnam’s fresh produce exports according to Vietnam Customs data.
Other major exports included mangoes at nearly US$41.2mn and coconuts at US$35.7mn over the period, while shipments of pineapples, dragon fruit and limes have also increased in recent years.
The Netherlands is the top EU market for Vietnamese produce, taking nearly US$134.8mn; it also acts as an important distribution gateway for other top markets including Germany, Belgium and France.
Nguyen Van Muoi, Deputy Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) had helped liberate trade and allowed Vietnam to compete with other international suppliers on price. Investment in supply chain technologies and efficiencies have also improved the quality of Vietnamese produce once it hits European shelves.
Nguyen said the key to maintaining export growth to the EU was meeting the region’s increasingly stringent standards. He said the EU is increasing inspection frequency and tightening requirements on maximum residue levels (MRLs) and products falling within the scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) must meet the regulation’s traceability and due diligence requirements. Vietnamese businesses must keep up with regulatory changes and maintain traceability to meet these standards.
