Vietnam’s banana exports are not only thriving in the Japanese market but also seeing strong growth in China, according to Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT).

Vietnamese bananas have surpassed those from the Philippines to claim the largest market share in China, according to the Government News.

“Since the beginning of the year, Vietnamese bananas have captured nearly 50% of China’s import market share, thanks to improvements in quality, appearance, and logistical advantages. Meanwhile, bananas from the Philippines have declined in output due to storms, disease outbreaks, and transportation challenges,” Mr. Nguyen was quoted by the Government News as saying.

He also noted that in 2024, banana exports brought Vietnam $378 million in revenue, and the fruit is expected to soon join the billion-dollar export club.

In China, bananas are a favorite fruit and a common dessert among consumers. They are also used as ingredients in various dishes such as cakes and jams. In Japan, Vietnamese bananas benefit from favorable import tariffs—currently at 5.4% and set to gradually decrease to 0% by 2028 under the CPTPP agreement—offering promising opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products in this demanding market.   

He mentioned three key factors driving the competitiveness of Vietnamese bananas in Asian markets, including Japan. First, Vietnamese bananas offer competitive quality and pricing compared to regional rivals, including those from the Philippines. Second, Vietnam has logistical strengths that facilitate efficient transportation. Third, Vietnamese banana varieties show resistance to Panama wilt disease, a serious threat to banana-growing regions worldwide.

According to VINAFRUIT, in the first half of 2025, bananas ranked third among Vietnam’s fruit exports—after durian and dragon fruit—with export earnings of $233 million, up nearly 55% compared to the same period last year.