South Korea approves imports of Vietnamese pomelos

The Plant Protection Department (PPD) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) announced that the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency of South Korea (APQA) had published import regulations for fresh pomelos from Vietnam on its website.

Pomelos are the third fresh fruit from Vietnam allowed to enter South Korea, alongside dragon fruit and mangoes. With a population of over 51 million, South Korea presents a good opportunity for Vietnamese exporters.

"Exporting Vietnamese pomelos to South Korea marks a significant step, opening up great opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products to access international markets, while affirming the quality and reputation of Vietnamese produce globally," the PPD stated.

To facilitate Vietnamese businesses interested in exporting pomelos to South Korea, the PPD has provided import conditions to relevant units for dissemination and implementation.

As per South Korean regulatory requirements, pomelo production areas for export must register annually with the PPD for management and monitoring.

The PPD must also notify the plant quarantine agency of registered pomelo growing areas, export packing houses, and hot vapour treatment facilities before commencing fresh pomelo exports each year.

Pomelos must be free from plant quarantine pests specified by South Korea and undergo hot vapour treatment. Export inspections will be conducted by Korean and Vietnamese plant quarantine officers on 2 per cent of the total cartons, or 600 fruits per shipment.

Pomelos are among 14 key fruit groups in the fruit tree development plan outlined by the MARD.

Currently, Vietnam has over 100,000 hectares of pomelo plantations, with a total yield exceeding 900,000 tonnes. The Mekong Delta region alone accounts for about 32,000ha, producing around 370,000 tonnes. Provinces with large pomelo cultivation areas include Ben Tre (over 8,800ha), Vinh Long (over 8,600ha), and Dong Nai (over 5,400ha). Prominent pomelo varieties with high export potential include green-skinned pomelo, Nam Roi pomelo, and Tan Trieu pomelo.

Before South Korea opened its market, major countries like the United States and New Zealand had already granted permits for fresh pomelos from Vietnam. Currently, Vietnamese pomelos are officially exported to 13 countries and territories. By 2025, this number is expected to increase to 14, including Australia.

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