Vietnam’s lychee exports are setting a new record as revenue in the first seven months reached 80 million USD, more than three times the same period last year.
According to the Customs Department, in July alone, the export turnover of fabric reached nearly 35 million USD, 20 times higher than the same period in 2024. China is still the largest consumer market, accounting for 71% with a value of 57 million USD, an increase of nearly 4 times. In particular, Papua New Guinea unexpectedly rose to second place with 6 million USD, 21 times higher than last year. Fastidious markets such as the Netherlands, Australia, France, the US and the UK also recorded impressive growth, from 38% to more than 280%.
The reasons for the breakthrough in Vietnamese lychee are the decrease in farmgate prices, abundant output, and strong import demand. In addition, the area planted according to VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards is expanding rapidly, meeting strict standards from Japan, the US and the EU.
This year, for the first time, fresh Vietnamese lychees are available in the Costco supermarket chain – the largest retailer in North America with more than 635 stores in the US and Canada. Previously, Vietnamese lychees were only available sporadically in a few chains such as Safeway. Being able to enter Costco is considered a big step forward, bringing this summer specialty to the global retail channel.
The Vietnam Trade Office branch in San Francisco said it will continue to support businesses in expanding their portfolios and bringing more strong agricultural products to penetrate the US market.
According to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen – General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the quality of lychees is increasingly improved thanks to modern preservation technology, extending the freshness time. Many businesses also build a chain from production to consumption, helping to increase productivity and ensure uniform quality.
By 2025, the area of lychee that meets VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards will continue to expand, qualifying for official export to the US, Japan and the EU. After irradiation treatment in Vietnam, lychee is transported by sea to optimize storage time and maintain quality when reaching consumers.
The price of lychee at the garden this year fluctuates between 8,000 and 20,000 VND per kilogram, some lots with growing area codes and nice packaging are purchased for 25,000 and 30,000 VND. At the beginning of the season, the price sometimes reached 35,000 and 40,000 VND. When reaching the international market, Vietnamese lychee is retailed for about 200,000 and 300,000 VND per kilogram.
According to the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, the 2025 crop is expected to harvest 303,000 tons of lychee, an increase of 30% compared to 2024, with Bac Giang alone reaching 165,000 tons. Lychee is currently grown mainly in Bac Giang and Hai Duong – the two largest “capitals” in the country. Luc Ngan (Bac Giang) supplies over 100,000 tons each year, famous for its large, sweet fruit; while Thanh Ha (Hai Duong) is characterized by thin skin, thick flesh, and sweet aroma, and has successfully conquered the Japanese market since 2020.
In addition to the two key areas, lychee is also grown in Quang Ninh, Hung Yen, Hanoi, and some trials in the Central Highlands and Lam Dong, but large production areas have not yet been formed due to unsuitable climatic conditions.
