China's Durian Demand Reshapes Vietnamese Coffee Farms
Thursday, 2026/09/03109 words2 minutes837 reads
Many farmers in Vietnam's Central Highlands grow coffee. The area produces about one-sixth of the world's coffee. Now, some farmers are planting more durian trees instead.
Durian is a large fruit with a strong smell. China is buying much more of it. Vietnam was allowed to export fresh durian to China in 2022. Last year, Vietnam became China's biggest durian supplier by volume.
Durian can bring farmers more money than coffee. But it is not easy to grow. It needs the right water, humidity, and fertiliser. If too many farmers plant it, there may be too much fruit. Farmers must think about profit and risk before changing their land.
