Many Japanese companies have approached the Vietnam Trade Office in Japan with inquiries about importing Vietnamese lychees, according to Ta Duc Minh, trade counselor, during his visit to the Tuoi Tre newspaper. "They asked about the ripeness of the lychees and when they can be shipped [to Japan]," Minh mentioned, highlighting the growing interest in Vietnamese produce.
Japan is an important, yet challenging, export destination requiring consistent quality and packaging tailored to Japanese tastes. The first five months of 2025 have shown positive growth in Vietnam-Japan bilateral trade, supported by stable political relations and strong ties between the two nations' people.
Despite the positive trend in major Vietnamese exports such as agro-fishery-forestry products, Minh pointed out the variable nature of each product. Agricultural and aquatic exports can be heavily affected by seasonal and weather conditions, unlike more stable wood product exports. Lychees, for example, faced export challenges last year due to low yields and high prices; however, this year shows promising demand signals. Many Japanese companies have proactively exchanged information and prepared import plans early.
A focus on other Vietnamese fruits could also pay off, with non-green-skinned pomelos having potential for further market penetration in Japan. Japanese consumers favor tropical fruits like the Cat Chu mango, already found in local supermarkets. Additionally, expanding value-added processed products, such as dried mangos, may help meet year-round demand.
Advanced cold preservation technology in Japan offers a solution for maintaining fruit freshness for six to nine months post-harvest, prompting the question of its applicability in Vietnam. Though requiring substantial investment, Minh stressed the necessity for Vietnamese farmers and businesses to move towards post-harvest logistics investment.
As Vietnam enters the peak lychee harvest period, with an estimated total output of over 303,000 metric tons, export preparations align with increased output. Growing areas and packing facilities have been licensed, with regular supervision in place for exports to markets like Japan. Minh advises Vietnamese businesses to invest more in quality, branding, and technology to remain competitive in demanding markets.
Source: tuoi tre news