Dong Nai’s banana exports show impressive growth

Dong Nai has solidified its position as Vietnam’s leading hub for banana exports, with nearly 21,000 hectares under cultivation and an annual output exceeding 900,000 tons. Approximately 80% of this production is exported to global markets, including demanding destinations such as Japan and South Korea. In 2026, Dong Nai Province aims to further accelerate banana exports, contributing to positioning bananas in particular, and fresh fruit in general, on the world map.

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang (second from right) discusses the quality of tissue-cultured banana varieties with export enterprises at the Dong Nai Province Banana Export and Agricultural Product Promotion Ceremony in 2026. Photo: Binh Nguyen

According to Le Viet Binh, Deputy Chief of the Southern Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export turnover reached nearly 8.6 billion USD in 2025, an increase of nearly 20% compared with the previous year. In the first three months of 2026, agro-forestry-fishery exports were estimated at nearly 16.7 billion USD, with fruit and vegetable exports rising by more than 32%. Against this backdrop, bananas are emerging as a commodity with significant potential and could reach the 1 billion USD export mark if produced efficiently.

Strong growth despite global challenges

At the Dong Nai Province Banana Export and Agricultural Product Promotion Ceremony in 2026, which just took place, 11 containers carrying 220 tons of Cavendish bananas from various enterprises were exported to markets such as Japan, South Korea, and China. This accomplishment further confirms that, entering 2026, banana export activities in the province continue to thrive with many new expectations.

According to Lieu A Kieu, Director of Kelly Swangle International Co., Ltd., although global developments have negatively affected export activities, the company’s fresh banana exports have still risen by more than 20% since the beginning of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Export banana prices are about 30% higher than the average level in the same period last year. Although banana export containers to the Middle East have been temporarily suspended due to the impact of armed conflict in the region, this market accounts for less than 10% of the company’s total export volume, so the impact is not significant. In 2026, the company continues to focus on the large Chinese market while expanding into several new markets, including Malaysia and Singapore. Fresh banana exports are forecast to continue growing strongly throughout 2026. Accordingly, the company plans to continue expanding by adding hundreds of hectares of bananas that meet export-growing area code standards in the province to ensure supply for the rapidly growing export market.

The Dong Nai Province Banana Export and Agricultural Product Promotion Ceremony in 2026 is an important milestone in promoting the locality's key high-quality fruits. It serves as a bridge, linking managers, scientists, businesses, and farmers to learn from one another, strengthen cooperation, and expand markets. In the coming period, the agricultural sector will continue planning concentrated production areas in association with brand building and the diversification of export markets.

Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People's Committee NGUYEN THI HOANG

Sharing the same view, Nguyen Huu Ty, Director of Tien Giang Agricultural and Aquatic Products Import-Export Co., Ltd. (Ho Chi Minh City) said: Currently, the export price of bananas loaded onto containers by the company ranges from 19-20 thousand VND per kg. Although global fluctuations have significantly increased input costs, making it more difficult for export businesses, they are still striving to ensure the supply of goods for signed orders. Customers are also interested in supporting businesses when input costs increase. The company still aims to increase banana exports by 15-20% compared to last year. This growth is due to the world market increasingly appreciating both the quality and quantity of Vietnamese bananas.

Many advantages attract investors

According to Le Viet Binh, Deputy Chief of the Southern Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Dong Nai is a leading locality in developing commodity agriculture, with bananas already exported to many large markets. The establishment of growing area codes, packing facilities, and quality control measures is helping the locality enhance its competitiveness and gradually meet international standards.

Regarding the potential for developing specialized banana-growing areas for export in Dong Nai province, Vo Quan Huy, Director of Huy Long An Co., Ltd. (Tay Ninh province), dubbed the "banana king" of Vietnam, assessed: Historically, Dong Nai province is the cradle of banana cultivation. The province is highly suitable for banana development, thanks to favorable land and soil conditions and supportive policies for crop conversion using new varieties. Export bananas are currently severely affected by Panama disease, so Dong Nai province should prioritize introducing disease-resistant new varieties to ensure the sustainable development of specialized banana-growing areas, as export bananas must meet requirements for output, quality, and appearance. To meet these requirements, farmers must fully maintain production diaries and ensure traceability for safe production.

Le Thi Anh Tuyet, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated: To develop the banana industry sustainably, production must be reorganized into sustainable value chains that perform well at each stage, from seedling production and standard cultivation processes to harvesting, packaging, and export. In the coming time, the provincial agricultural sector will continue to implement solutions to build value chains from production to export. The province has many policies to support the establishment of value chains, including the introduction of electronic diaries into management and product traceability. Currently, traditional markets exist, and some enterprises have successfully exported to new, demanding markets such as South Korea and Japan... The province strongly encourages and will continue to accompany enterprises in their development journey and market diversification.

By Binh Nguyen – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho