Dragon fruit exports face sustainability challenges
Dragon fruit has been an important part of the agricultural economy in Lam Dong. However, the sector is facing many challenges related to markets, supply chain linkages, and technical barriers, highlighting the need for long-term solutions to ensure sustainable development.
Stricter requirements from import markets
In recent years, the dragon fruit sector has been facing lots of difficulties. Market prices are unstable, while production and distribution linkages are still limited. At the same time, import markets are imposing increasingly strict standards.
There is also increasing pressure in managing planting area codes and packaging facilities. In some areas, the monitoring of pesticide residues and product traceability has yet to fully meet international requirements, raising concerns over product quality and the locality’s reputation in overseas markets.
How can Lam Dong’s dragon fruit sector develop sustainably?
This question was the focus of a recent workshop held in the southeastern part of the province, bringing together the Department of Agriculture and Environment, experts, scientists, and local growers.
One of the main topics discussed was China’s Decree No. 280 on the registration management of foreign food manufacturing enterprises exporting to China, issued by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). The regulation will take effect on June 1, 2026, replacing Decree No. 248.
Dinh Duc Hiep from the Vietnam SPS Office under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said Decree No. 280 introduces several important changes compared to previous regulations, including a more flexible risk-based registration mechanism.
Under the new rules, 17 product categories require recommendation letters from competent authorities. According to Hiep, the new policy could generally be considered more trade-friendly than the previous one.
On the positive side, the new rules do not affect businesses that have already obtained registration codes. Several procedures have also been simplified, including automatic renewal for most product groups, except meat and bird’s nest products. The decree also clarifies the validity conditions for import registrations.
The Vietnam SPS Office has urged authorities at both central and local levels to strengthen communication, training, and guidance for businesses on China’s import regulations and technical standards. They also urged stronger inspection and monitoring measures, as well as support for businesses in establishing supply chain monitoring systems.
In addition, authorities were advised to strengthen post-inspection activities and strictly handle violations. These measures aim to reduce the risk of warnings from importing countries.
Proactive technical exchanges with Chinese authorities were also suggested to help remove trade obstacles and address issues involving non-compliant shipments.
We need to proactively adapt to new requirements imposed by importing countries, especially those related to plant quarantine and food safety, in order to overcome difficulties and develop Lam Dong’s dragon fruit industry sustainably.
Vu Dinh Cuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment
Changing the production mindset
As importing countries impose increasing technical barriers, the Vietnam SPS Office is currently guiding businesses and food producers in registering export codes for the Chinese market.
The office has also outlined regulations in several import markets, including requirements for dragon fruit exports to prevent harmful pests and minimize risks at ports of entry.
For farmers, this means carefully considering the use of pesticides during cultivation to ensure safety, meet import standards, and comply with market regulations.
According to Huynh Canh, Chairman of the Binh Thuan Dragon Fruit Association, growers need to shift from “producing what they have” to “producing what the market demands,” with cultivation closely aligned with market demand and consumption contracts.
In 2026, the association aims to diversify export markets and reduce dependence on China to below 55% of total output, while expanding market share in the United States, EU, Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, and India. It also seeks to expand GlobalGAP-certified cultivation areas and promote deep processing to extend product shelf life.
Vu Dinh Cuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the province will continue strengthening the management of growing area and packaging facility codes while increasing inspections to ensure compliance with import market regulations.
At the same time, the agricultural sector will promote VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and organic farming practices, along with electronic farming records, product traceability, and digital transformation in agricultural production. Efforts will also focus on trade promotion and the expansion of both domestic and export markets.
Lam Dong has 25,800 hectares of dragon fruit cultivation, with planned output in 2026 estimated at nearly 578,000 tons. In the first months of the year, exports reached 231,000 tons, with China accounting for 70% of the export market.