China's Durian Demand Reshapes Vietnamese Coffee Farms
Thursday, 2026/09/03218 words3 minutes837 reads
Chinese durian demand is changing farms in Vietnam's Central Highlands, which produces around one-sixth of the world's coffee. Farmers are switching land from coffee or mixing in durian because durian can earn more, especially after Vietnam gained access to China's fresh-durian market in 2022.
Vietnam became China's largest durian supplier by volume last year, overtaking Thailand, and planted area rose more than fivefold in a decade to 200,000 hectares. A farmer in Dak Lak told AFP he expected US$76,000 from durian this year, compared with US$10,000 from coffee alone. Improved transport and social-media interest have helped make the fruit more affordable and popular in China.
But the apparent opportunity is not a guarantee. Vietnam expects durian exports to reach US$4 billion this year, with 90 per cent going to China. That concentration creates exposure if demand changes. Vietnam's government has also warned that the fast expansion of planted area risks oversupply and loss of quality control.
Durian is demanding to grow: farmers need the right balance of water, humidity, and fertiliser, and not every farm can meet the quality required for export. One farmer who had switched fully from coffee returned to coffee after finding durian too difficult. The story shows how consumer demand can reshape land use, while leaving farmers to carry much of the market risk.
