China opens its market to Vietnamese pomelos and lemons through official export channels, creating strong growth opportunities for the fruit and vegetable industry in 2026.

China opens its market to Vietnamese pomelos and lemons through official export channels

The fact that China opens its market to Vietnamese pomelos and lemons is bringing many positive signals to Vietnam’s fruit export industry. During the State visit of General Secretary and President Tô Lâm to China, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the General Administration of Customs of China officially signed the Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exported pomelos and lemons.

This is considered an important milestone following negotiations that began in 2019, while also continuing to expand opportunities for Vietnamese fruits to access the Chinese market through official export channels.

Official export channels help expand market access

The fact that China opens its market to Vietnamese pomelos and lemons not only helps diversify export markets but also contributes to reducing pressure on border trade activities.

Currently, Vietnam and China have signed more than 20 agreements and protocols related to the export of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. For fruits alone, around 10 types are now officially exported to China. According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT), official exports make it easier for businesses to distribute products through supermarket systems and large retail channels in the Chinese market.

In addition, the fact that China opens its market to Vietnamese pomelos and lemons is expected to create further growth momentum for Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable industry in 2026.

Vietnamese pomelos have strong advantages in the Chinese market

Among exported fruits, Vietnamese pomelos are considered to have strong growth potential thanks to characteristics that match consumer demand in the Chinese market. Compared to domestic Chinese pomelo varieties, which often have a slightly bitter aftertaste, Vietnamese green-skin pomelos offer a naturally sweet and refreshing flavor that suits consumer preferences.

In addition, Vietnamese pomelos can be harvested year-round, providing an advantage during periods when domestic supply in China is limited. In 2025, Vietnam’s pomelo export value reached approximately USD 72.5 million, up 26% compared to the previous year. In the first two months of 2026 alone, pomelo exports continued to increase by around 30% year-on-year.

Thanks to the fact that China opens its market to Vietnamese pomelos and lemons, many experts forecast that Vietnam’s pomelo export value could reach approximately USD 300 million in 2026 if market opportunities are effectively utilized.

Farmers and businesses need to meet export requirements

To fully benefit from the opportunity as China opens its market to Vietnamese pomelos and lemons, farmers and businesses need to strictly comply with technical requirements from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). This includes orchard code registration, cultivation under quality standards, proper pest management, and fruit bagging at least 60 days before harvest to prevent pests and fruit flies.

Meeting all required standards will help improve the quality of Vietnamese fruits while maintaining stable official export activities to the Chinese market.

Conclusion

The fact that China opens its market to Vietnamese pomelos and lemons is considered a positive signal for Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable industry in the current period. Besides expanding opportunities for official exports, this development also helps enhance the value of Vietnamese fruits and creates additional momentum for sustainable agricultural growth in the future.

Source: https://www.tintucnongnghiep.com/2026/04/trung-quoc-mo-cua-cho-buoi-va-chanh.html