Vietnamese coffee farmers ride China’s durian wave
Farmers in Vietnam's Central Highlands are increasingly replacing coffee crops with durian to capitalize on high demand from China. While the shift has significantly increased farmer incomes, it has raised concerns regarding market oversupply and agricultural sustainability.
Why it matters
The shift illustrates how Chinese consumer demand is reshaping agricultural economies and land-use patterns across Southeast Asia.
Vietnam’s durian exports are expected to reach US$4 billion (S$5.1 billion) in 2026, up from US$180 million in 2021.
Listen Summarise Vietnam’s Central Highlands farmers are switching from coffee to durian due to high profits from strong Chinese demand. Vietnam became China’s biggest durian supplier in 2025, boosting exports to US$4 billion by 2026, mainly to China. Concerns exist over oversupply, quality control, and farming challenges, causing some farmers to return to coffee cultivation. AI generated
DAK LAK, Vietnam – Vietnam’s Central Highlands region produces around one-sixth of the world’s coffee, but farmers are switching their traditional crop for durian to cash in on surging Chinese demand for the pungent “king of fruits”.
“You can live okay with coffee, but it’s durian that makes you rich,” said Pham Xuan Lan, as he showed AFP journalists around his farm.
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