Vietnam’s early-season fresh lychees win over the US market
In early June 2026, the first two shipments of fresh Vietnamese lychees, totaling approximately two tonnes, were exported from Vietnam to Houston, Texas. Transported by air, the specialty fruit retained its distinctive color, flavor and quality, quickly attracting interest from supermarket chains, Asian markets and consumers across the US.
Vietnamese lychees, along with a variety of other fresh fruits, are currently being distributed through major Asian supermarkets and markets in Houston and several other US states. According to C&T Produce Wholesale Inc., an importer and wholesale distributor, many customers had placed orders even before the shipments arrived at the airport, underscoring the strong appeal of the product in the market.
Diem Chinh, owner of C&T Produce Wholesale Inc., who has nearly 25 years of experience importing and distributing food products in the US, said Vietnamese agricultural products have consistently been highly regarded by consumers, particularly within Asian communities, for their quality, diversity and distinctive flavors. This consumer segment remains a key market for Vietnamese fresh fruit products in the US.
Over the years, the Vietnam Trade Office in Houston and the Consulate General of Vietnam in Houston have played an important advisory and connecting role in promoting trade and investment while supporting businesses from both countries in expanding commercial cooperation. Through close coordination with relevant authorities, economic and trade associations, trade promotion organizations and the business community in the US, numerous branding campaigns, product promotion activities, business matching initiatives and partner-search programs have been effectively implemented, creating additional opportunities for Vietnamese products to deepen their presence in the US market.
In addition to facilitating business connections, the Vietnam Trade Office in Houston regularly conducts research and provides updated information on US trade policies, import-export regulations, tariffs, technical standards and market requirements. The office also accompanies enterprises in trade fairs, exhibitions, business networking activities and investment promotion events.
Among the most notable initiatives are Vietnamese product promotion programs at the annual Asian Bazaar in Houston, business-to-business networking events organized by US economic and trade associations, and a range of trade and investment promotion activities jointly implemented by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, local authorities and Vietnam’s representative agencies in the United States.
In line with the Government’s and the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s policy of expanding export markets, diversifying export products and enhancing business competitiveness, the Vietnam Trade Office in Houston has actively supported industry associations, chambers of commerce, US importers and businesses in conducting fact-finding visits to Vietnam and participating in major trade promotion programs such as Vietnam International Sourcing (VIS), as well as promotional events held across various localities. These efforts have enabled US businesses to directly access factories, production facilities, raw material areas and certified cultivation zones, gradually establishing stable, large-scale supply chains for Vietnamese products across multiple sectors.
According to importing businesses, the active participation of the Vietnamese - American business community has also played a significant role in helping Vietnamese agricultural products gain deeper access to major US distribution networks. This has continued to expand opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural and food products, particularly fresh fruits, in the world’s largest consumer market.
