Durian is harvested in orchards in the Mekong Delta. Photo by Manh Khuong

Many durian traders in Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap have resumed operations after the Tet holidays, with buying prices climbing to as high as VND140,000 (US$5.4) per kilogram.

Traders are buying grade-A Monthong durian, the top-quality tier, at VND136,000–140,000 per kilogram, a level notably higher than prices seen through much of last year, Tuoi Tre newspaper reported.

Grade-A Ri6 durian is trading at VND78,000–82,000 per kilogram, up 30–50% compared with November, when the main harvest season ended.

The early-year price rally has allowed farmers to earn profits of roughly VND30,000–50,000 per kilogram, depending on fruit quality and production costs.

However, limited harvest volumes after Tet have tightened supply, further underpinning the price increase, insiders said.

The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association said durian is currently the country’s most profitable fruit crop, driving rapid expansion of cultivation areas in recent years.

Figures from the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection indicate Vietnam’s durian acreage exceeded 150,000 hectares in 2025, mainly concentrated in the Central Highlands, the Mekong Delta and the southeast region.

While the expansion offers significant growth potential, it also poses challenges in quality management, seasonal supply control and market access.

Durian exports reached US$3.86 billion last year, up 20% from 2024, according to customs data.