Decoding the heat of Vietnamese bananas in the Chinese and Japanese markets

Recently, the newspaper Nikkei Asia (Japan) Information Vietnamese bananas are gradually taking over the market share of Philippine bananas in Japan thanks to their freshness and competitive prices.

Rapid growth

Reporter VNA in Tokyo cited Japanese trade statistics showing that the amount of bananas imported from Vietnam in 2024 increased to 33,000 tons, nearly 14 times higher than in 2019.

In July 2025, the amount of Vietnamese bananas exported to the Tokyo area more than doubled compared to the same period last year. Although Vietnam's banana market share is still modest, this growth rate is impressive.

In the largest market, China, in 2024, the total volume of bananas imported by this country will reach 1.69 million tons, worth 908 million USD, down 4.6% in volume and 16% in value compared to 2023.

However, imports from Vietnam to China still grew impressively with 625,000 tons, worth 261 million USD, up 28% in volume and 7% in value.

In contrast, bananas from the Philippines fell sharply by 32% in volume and 39% in value, reaching only 463,000 tons and 262 million USD. Vietnamese bananas have officially overtaken Philippine bananas in this billion-people market.

Fresher and cheaper

August 11, talking to reporters According to Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper , Mr. Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the reason is that Vietnamese bananas have made great strides in recent years, improving both quality and price.

In addition, low logistics costs are also a competitive factor in the Japanese and Chinese markets. In particular, the Philippines, a banana export powerhouse, recently suffered from Panama disease (wilt disease), which reduced its competitiveness.

According to Mr. Nguyen, there are also domestic bananas in the Chinese market. Vietnam just needs to avoid the harvest season to avoid falling prices.

Sharing with reporters, Mr. Doan Nguyen Duc, Chairman of Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group, said that Japanese customers have fixed banana prices for the whole year. This is a stable market but the output is not large, compared to China.

Mr. Vo Quan Huy, Director of Huy Long An - My Binh Company Limited, also revealed that Japan is a very demanding market for bananas with a series of strict standards. After successfully exporting to this market, Huy Long An - My Binh bananas are very easy to sell to Chinese partners.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/giai-ma-suc-nong-cua-chuoi-viet-nam-o-thi-truong-trung-quoc-nhat-ban-3371029.html