Vietnam's mango production and export industry have witnessed significant growth in recent years, reflecting the country's rising prominence as a global player in the fruit export market. This success story is underpinned by various factors that contribute to increasing industry value and fostering long-term growth.
Vietnam, renowned for its lush landscapes and rich agricultural heritage, is a significant hub for mango production. Mangoes are cultivated across the country, from the northern regions to the southernmost tip. However, the heart of mango production lies in the fertile lands of the Mekong Delta, particularly in provinces like Tien Giang, An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Can Tho, and Ben Tre. Beyond the Mekong Delta, mango orchards also flourish in regions such as Khanh Hoa, Son La, Lang Son, and the Red River Delta.
A Bountiful Harvest
According to the Department of Cultivation (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), mango cultivation in Vietnam encompasses an impressive area, spanning over 115,000 hectares, yielding nearly 969,000 tons annually. Among these regions, the Mekong Delta reigns supreme, with approximately 49,900 hectares dedicated to mango cultivation. In 2022, this region boasted a remarkable yield of 610,000 tons, underscoring its pivotal role in the national mango industry. Dong Thap province emerges as the second-largest contributor to mango production in the country, following closely behind Son La.
Vietnam's Mango Export: A Growing Opportunity
Vietnam has risen to become the world's 13th largest mango exporter. Mangoes from Vietnam have been exported to 40 nations. As of 2021, Vietnam's mango export market was valued at over $180 million. Although this is a significant figure, it represents just over 1% of the global mango export market. The primary destination for Vietnamese mangoes is China, which constitutes nearly 84% of the export market, reaching almost $152 million. Following China, other key export markets include Russia, the United States, South Korea, the European Union, Australia, and Japan.
Notably, within the Mekong Delta region, nearly 300 area codes have been issued for mango cultivation for export purposes. This demonstrates a commitment to quality and adherence to international standards. In particular, nearly 2,000 hectares of mango orchards in the region are cultivated according to VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards, accounting for nearly 4% of the total mango cultivation area. This focus on quality and safety is essential for maintaining and expanding Vietnam's presence in the global mango export market.
Besides, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has reported that the United States has been increasing its import of fresh mangoes from Vietnam in the first five months of this year. The total volume reached 262,300 tons, with a value of $284.9 million, marking a 6.2% increase in volume and an 8.5% increase in value compared to the same period in 2022. Fresh mangoes accounted for 76.8% of the total, but only 0.19% in terms of value. The export of mango juice to the US has significantly increased, rising from 2.73% in the first five months of 2022 to 5.84% in the first five months of 2023.
Notably, the price of American mangoes imported from Vietnam reached 3,017 USD/ton, up 32.9% over the same period in 2022, but Vietnamese mango accounted for only 0.2% of US mango imports.
The growth potential for Vietnam's mango export industry is substantial. With continued investment in infrastructure, technology, and quality control, the country is well-positioned to increase its share of the global mango market. Additionally, diversifying export destinations and expanding partnerships with countries beyond China will help reduce dependency on a single market.
Vietnam's mango industry not only contributes to the nation's agricultural growth but also plays a vital role in supporting rural communities and providing opportunities for economic development. As the country works towards achieving its ambitious targets for 2030, the Vietnamese mango export sector is a prime example of the nation's commitment to sustainable agriculture and global trade.
Opportunities and Challenges in Vietnam's Mango Export
Opportunities:
Increasing Global Demand: The global demand for mangoes has been steadily rising due to their popularity as a healthy and exotic fruit. Vietnam can tap into this growing demand, especially in countries like China, Russia, the United States, and various European markets.
Diverse Mango Varieties: Vietnam boasts a wide range of mango varieties, each with its unique flavor and characteristics. This diversity can be leveraged to cater to different market preferences and segments.
Quality Assurance: The adoption of standards like VietGAP and GlobalGAP for mango cultivation ensures high-quality produce. This not only enhances export opportunities but also raises domestic consumption standards.
Geographic Advantage: Vietnam's strategic location in Southeast Asia provides easier access to Asian markets, making it a favorable supplier for regional demand.
Challenges:
Market Dependency: Overreliance on the Chinese market poses a significant risk. Diversifying export destinations is crucial to reduce vulnerability to market fluctuations and trade tensions.
Infrastructure and Logistics: Improvements in transportation and storage facilities are needed to ensure mangoes reach their destination markets in optimal condition. Efficient logistics can minimize post-harvest losses.
Quality Control: Maintaining consistent quality throughout the supply chain is challenging. Quality degradation during harvesting, packaging, or transportation can harm the reputation of Vietnamese mangoes.
Compliance with Standards: Meeting international food safety and quality standards requires investments in training, infrastructure, and monitoring. Compliance is crucial for sustained access to global markets.
Climate Change: Climate variability and extreme weather events can affect mango production. Sustainable agricultural practices and climate-resilient varieties should be explored.
Vietnam's mango export industry presents significant opportunities for growth, but it also comes with its share of challenges. To capitalize on these opportunities and overcome the challenges, businesses need to establish a synchronized supply chain that encompasses every aspect of mango production, processing, storage, transportation, and export. This holistic approach is essential for maintaining stringent quality standards, food safety regulations, source traceability, and ensuring that the fruit remains fresh, delicious, and maintains its brand reputation in the market.
Vietnam's agricultural sector has set a goal that by 2030, the entire nation will have 140,000 hectares of mangoes, producing 1.5 million tons and generating $650 million in export revenue; more than 70% of processing and preserving facilities for export have advanced levels and technologies.
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