The Import-Export Department cited the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), saying the RoK spent US$36.4 million on importing 8,000 tonnes of mango in the first quarter of the year, down 18% in volume and 19% in value year on year.
Peru was the largest supplier of the fruit to the RoK with 5,100 tonnes, followed by Thailand with 2,300 tonnes and Vietnam just 46.4 tonnes.
Industry insiders pointed out that with a small market share in the RoK, Vietnamese businesses have numerous opportunities to ship the product to the market.
To do this, they said the firms are required to fully meet food safety requirements, product quality, taste, and price in order to increase mango exports to the RoK, particularly as it is one of the Asian markets that has applied the most stringent regulations for imported agricultural products.
Furthermore, businesses are also advised to effectively utilise the various free trade agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has signed with the RoK in order to boost exports.
According to the Import-Export Department, Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports in the reviewed period rose 16.2% year on year to US$982 million.
China was the largest consumer of Vietnamese fruit and vegetables, spending US$576.4 million on imports, up 27.4% year on year. The recent opening of its borders has given fresh impetus to the export of fruit and vegetables to the market.
However, businesses and growers are required to strictly control the growing area codes and packaging facilities as the northern neighbour has gradually tightened its imports through official channels.
Meanwhile, fruit and vegetable exports to the United States decreased sharply due to the impact of high inflation, leading to weak purchasing power in the market.
