Shipments totalled US$108.5mn in first two months of 2026
Vietnamese dragon fruit exports showed positive signs of recovery in the first two months of the year, thanks to a significant increase in demand from markets like Thailand and the Middle East and improved sales in China, the main market, after a period of decline.
As reported by VTV, the improved picture is partly due to high demand for fruit during the Lunar New Year period and it being the off-season in many producing countries, which limits the global supply.
To meet demand at this time of year, Vietnamese farmers have to implement artificial lighting techniques to stimulate flowering and fruiting out of season. Vietnam’s peak production season typically runs from May to September.
According to data from the Customs Department, dragon fruit exports reached approximately US$108.5mn in the first two months of the year. Exports to Thailand exceeded US$9.2mn, almost three times the total in the year-earlier period, making this market one of the fastest-growing destinations. Demand in the Middle East, also increased significantly, with the UAE registering an increase of over 57 per cent in sales.
While growers are capitalising on Vietnam’s seasonal window to recover exports, long-term sustainable growth will depend on market diversification and improved product quality, analysts said.
