In Dong Thap Province’s Ngu Hiep Commune, the price of Thai durian (Grade A) dropped sharply from around VND170,000 (US$6.4) per kilogram to about VND65,000 (US$2.5) per kilogram, while Ri6 durian (Grade A) declined from roughly VND95,000 (US$3.6) per kilogram to around VND60,000 (US$2.27) per kilogram. The rapid fluctuation over the past seven days has put growers in specialized farming areas under significant pressure.
Export-oriented purchasing facilities report that testing labs are operating beyond capacity, with traders worried that delays in quality inspection may result in spoilage, prompting a slowdown in buying and contributing to the price slump.
Sharing with reporters, Mr. Vo Tan Loi, Chairman of the Dong Thap Province Durian Association, said that durian in the province and neighboring areas is nearing peak harvest season, making a price recovery unlikely in the short term. Nevertheless, farmers are recommended to adhere closely to standardized cultivation practices to ensure fruit quality meets the rigorous demands of export markets.
The Dong Thap Province Department of Agriculture and Environment noted that in 2026, the early harvesting and sale of unripe durians had decreased considerably, as growers are more aware that such fruit tends to be dry, bitter, and substandard, undermining Dong Thap’s reputation as a durian hub.
In the coming period, the department will work closely with cooperatives to strictly monitor production areas and packaging facilities. Any act of purchasing unripe durians will be strictly handled to ensure that at least 80 percent of export output meets the highest quality standards.
