Pine Nut Exports Generate Over 1.3 Million USD

Customs officials recently reported that pine nut exports generated over 1.3 million USD in 2024, a 106-fold increase from the previous year. This places pine nuts among the top 30 fastest-growing products in the fruit and nut category. Exported primarily to European markets where they are favored for perceived health benefits, pine nuts have quickly become a valuable agricultural product. While export data has only been tracked for the past two years, the rapid growth is notable. Although the current export value is relatively small compared to major agricultural products, pine nuts are emerging as a significant export alongside established fruits like grapes and oranges. Previously discarded, pine cones are now collected for their nuts, which are sold in markets, dried food stores, and online platforms at prices ranging from 450,000 to 550,000 VND per kilogram. According to Dang Phuc Nguyen, General Secretary of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, the current reliance on wild harvesting limits export volume. Pine trees, abundant in several provinces, are primarily used for environmental purposes, not commercial farming. Globally, pine nuts remain a premium ingredient used in various industries, further enhancing their value.