Consuming 22.1 per cent of Vietnam’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries exports in the first nine months of 2023, China has become the country’s largest export market, the Voice of Vietnam has reported.

Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) show that Vietnam earned total export revenue of $38.48 billion from such exports in January-September.

Exports to China rose 13.8 per cent year-on-year as those to traditional markets like the US and Japan fell.

China has licensed 12 varieties of fruit and vegetables to be imported from Vietnam, in addition to products from over 800 seafood processing establishments and 48 types of seafood, among others.

China has also agreed with the pilot importation of passionfruit and chili from Vietnam.

According to MARD, Vietnam is negotiating with its northern neighbor over protocols on the import and export of produce including watermelon, frozen durian, chili, herbs, and citrus fruit.