Lychee exports decline sharply due to reduced supply

The General Department of Customs has just released data on lychee exports for the first half of this year, showing a turnover of $23.6 million, a 46% decrease compared to the same period last year. Export services are facing significant challenges due to this decline. Among the top 10 importing markets, China – Vietnam’s largest lychee market – recorded the sharpest decrease (62%), followed by Japan and the UK with declines of nearly 4% and 16% respectively.

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the main reason for this decline is the sharp reduction in lychee supply this year due to crop failures in orchards. Reports from local areas show that lychee production in 2024 only reached about 200,000 tons, a 50% decrease compared to the previous year. Specifically, Bac Giang harvested about 100,000 tons (down 50% compared to 2023), Hai Duong reached about 45,000 tons (down 23%)… International shipping services are facing major challenges in transporting this significantly reduced volume of lychees.

Lychee exports in the first half of this year reached a turnover of $23.6 million, down 46% year-on-year

Mr. Nguyen Van Nam, an expert in the agricultural sector, commented: “The decrease in lychee production this year is a big challenge not only for farmers but also for the logistics industry. Transportation companies need to have flexible strategies to ensure efficient transportation in this context.”

Due to the poor harvest, lychee prices this season have reached record highs. In the domestic market, each kg of traditional late-season lychees costs up to 180,000 VND, while it was only 40,000-60,000 VND in the same period last year. Hybrid varieties like white and pink egg lychees have retail prices up to 360,000 VND per kg. Logistics companies are adjusting their transportation plans to adapt to this new situation.

Ms. Tran Thi Hoa, Director of a forwarding company in Hanoi, shared: “Although the volume of lychees has decreased, the requirements for transportation quality and preservation remain very high. We are focusing on optimizing sea freight processes and cargo transportation services to ensure lychees reach consumers in the best quality.”

Lychee is one of Vietnam’s famous fruits, harvested from April to June. Major growing areas include Thanh Ha district (Hai Duong) and Luc Ngan district (Bac Giang). Additionally, the Central Highlands and Hung Yen are also developing this crop. Import-export services are striving to find new markets to compensate for the decline from traditional markets.

With the support of forwarding companies, Vietnam’s lychee industry has a solid foundation to overcome current difficulties and continue to develop in the coming years. Close coordination between farmers, export businesses, and cargo transportation service providers will be key to enhancing the value and maintaining the position of Vietnamese lychees in the international market.