Expectations for Hai Phong’s export lychee growing region

Professional and stringent standards

In the final days of April 2026, a delegation of Japanese experts visited Hai Phong’s lychee-growing regions to monitor, evaluate, and inspect fruit quality. Hai Phong’s fresh lychees have been present in this high-end and demanding market for five years, gradually establishing a strong brand.

However, import requirements are continuously evolving and becoming more stringent, requiring farmers to adapt their cultivation practices accordingly. In response to these demands, growers are increasingly careful and meticulous in every stage of production and care.

Mr. Seiji Takano, a representative of the Aeon Topvalu supermarket system, expressed his impression after visiting export-standard lychee farms in Hai Phong. He noted that the fruit not only meets food safety standards but also has an attractive and uniform appearance—key criteria for imported products sold in Japanese supermarkets.

Early-season lychee orchards are now full and ripening, ready for harvest and export. This is not only the result of strict adherence to clean production standards but also reflects the farmers’ determination to elevate the value of this local specialty.

Export lychee production group No. 10 in Thuy Lam village, Thanh Ha commune, has 86 members cultivating 10 hectares under GlobalGAP standards. In recent years, farmers in the group have had little concern about market access, as their produce is purchased for export by partnering enterprises.

Mr. Pham Van Thach, head of the production group, said that local farmers have gone through many ups and downs with lychee cultivation, especially the long-standing situation of “bumper harvests but falling prices.” Therefore, when lychees meet the stringent standards required for export, everyone has high hopes for a brighter future for this fruit.
“Farmers no longer rely on experience or habit but have adopted standardized, systematic clean and safe production techniques. Changes in mindset and more professional practices have helped enhance the value of lychees. As a result, people feel more secure in sustaining and developing this local specialty,” Mr. Thach emphasized.

Positive export outlook

Hai Phong currently has 68 lychee-growing areas granted 198 planting area codes, covering a total of 1,125 hectares. Of these, 45 codes are for exports to Australia, 38 to Japan, 41 to the United States, 8 to Thailand, and 66 to China. Export-oriented lychee areas produce an average of 4,000–5,000 tons per season.

Although export volumes account for only about 10–15% of the city’s total lychee output, they serve as a key driver in enhancing competitiveness and increasing the value of lychees in both domestic and international markets. According to forecasts from authorities and businesses, despite stricter import standards this year, thorough preparation in production, procurement, processing, and preservation is expected to ensure smooth export activities.

This year, businesses have proactively developed plans for fresh lychee exports, with export volumes expected to increase significantly. Ms. Ngo Thi Thu Hong, CEO of Ameii Vietnam JSC, stated: “Hai Phong’s fresh lychees have established a strong reputation for quality in several high-end markets. As a result, our partners are looking to increase import volumes. To meet this demand, companies must expand processing capacity. This year’s lychee season is expected to be highly successful in the export segment.”

Although there are many positive signals pointing to a more open export market for Hai Phong’s fresh lychees, stakeholders cannot afford complacency, especially toward the end of the season. For fresh fruit, just one shipment failing to meet inspection standards can affect the entire supply chain. Therefore, as the harvest approaches, relevant authorities and businesses are closely monitoring export-growing areas and guiding farmers on proper cultivation practices to ensure compliance at harvest time.

Ms. Luong Thi Kiem, Deputy Director of Hai Phong’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, affirmed that specialized units will closely oversee growing areas and strictly manage export codes. To date, the city has not received any notifications from importing countries regarding violations of plant quarantine or food safety regulations for fresh fruit. However, the agricultural sector, local authorities, and farmers must remain vigilant. Only by maintaining strict standards can Hai Phong’s fresh lychees build a solid and lasting reputation in export markets.

Nguyen Mo

Nguyen Mo