Vietnamese Lychee Strives to Conquer the U.S. Market

Vietnam's lychee sector is accelerating its global outreach — and the United States, a highly lucrative yet demanding market, is now in the spotlight. With a reputation for producing fragrant, juicy lychees, Bac Giang province — the heartland of Vietnamese lychee — is making serious moves to break into America’s fruit aisles.

Bac Giang officially launched the 2022 lychee season with a trade promotion conference titled: “Connecting Trade, Promoting Lychee and Key Agricultural Products to the U.S. Market”, held on March 29.

According to Mr. Phan The Tuan, Vice Chairman of Bac Giang People’s Committee, the province planned to integrate lychee marketing with promotion of other regional agricultural specialties, focusing not only on domestic consumption but especially on high-end international markets like the United States, Australia, and the EU.

Picture:The first batch of lychees exported to the US ( Source:Bac Giang Forestry Department)

Challenges Ahead: Costs, Logistics & Infrastructure

  Currently, all Vietnamese lychee exported to the U.S. must be irradiated in Ho Chi Minh City, as there is no approved irradiation facility in Northern Vietnam. This causes are high domestic transport costs, expensive air freight (up to $9/kg, 60% of total cost)

and longer time-to-market for fresh lychee via sea freight
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Phu, Chairman of the Vietnamese Business Association in the U.S., emphasized:

“Vietnam Airlines and other carriers should offer preferential freight rates for lychee — a specialty that overseas Vietnamese communities eagerly await each summer.”

Despite the regulatory hurdles, exporting lychee to the U.S. carries immense symbolic and commercial value. For millions of overseas Vietnamese, lychee is more than a fruit — it’s a taste of home.

With rising interest in Vietnamese cuisine, wellness trends, and exotic fruits, the time is right to position Vietnamese lychee as a premium, heritage-rich product in the U.S. market.

Vietnam’s lychee story is evolving — from local orchards in Luc Ngan to Whole Foods shelves in California. With coordinated efforts from provincial leaders, exporters like TMICORP, international importers, and logistic providers, lychee from Vietnam is well-positioned to grow its share in the U.S.

As Vietnam strengthens its agricultural diplomacy, lychee may soon become one of the country’s most recognized fruit brands worldwide.

Entering the U.S. Market: A High-Stakes Challenge

Though Vietnamese lychee officially entered the U.S. in 2014, shipments have remained modest. The American market is one of the most regulated globally, requiring exporters to comply with a strict web of laws and agencies:

PPQ – Plant Protection and Quarantine Program
PPA – Plant Protection Act
FSMA – Food Safety Modernization Act

FQPA – Food Quality Protection Act
 

According to Ms. Jolie Nguyen, a U.S.-based importer:

“The U.S. imported $15.1 billion in fresh fruit in 2021, and demand for tropical fruit — especially from Vietnam — continues to grow. But U.S. buyers demand strict quality control, long-term professionalism, and full compliance with regulations.”

As a leading exporter of canned lychee and processed fruit products from Vietnam, TMICORP is actively contributing to the lychee sector’s push toward the U.S. market.

TMICORP’s advantages include:

Strengths in large packaged lychee products

FDA-registered processing facilities
Cold chain logistics support
Private-label and OEM services for American brands

Full compliance with USDA irradiation and phytosanitary protocols
Dedicated export teams working with buyers in California, Texas, and NewYork
 

“We are proud to help Vietnamese lychee reach new heights globally. Whether through canned, frozen, or fresh formats, TMICORP is committed to building long-term trade relationships with North American buyers,” a TMICORP representative shared.

TMI Foods High Quality Canned Lychee

TMI Foods canned lychee capitalizes on Thieu Lychee’s exceptional qualities to produce high-quality canned lychee in syrup. Why Thieu Lychee are suitable for canning? Its firm, juicy flesh pairs perfectly with the syrup, preserving the fruit’s natural sweetness and texture. TMI Foods canned lychee undergoes rigorous processing to ensure each can meets global standards, making it a versatile ingredient for desserts, cocktails, or even salads.

Picture: TMIFoods canned Lychee( Source: Canned Lychee TMI Foods )

The use of Thieu Lychee in TMI Foods canned lychee ensures a consistent, flavorful product. While canned lychee in syrup adds calories, the fruit itself is low in fat, offering a healthier sweet option when consumed in moderation. TMI Foods canned lychee stands out for its quality, leveraging Thieu Lychee properties to meet consumer demand for convenient, tasty canned lychee. Why are Thieu Lychee suitable for canning? Its durability and vibrant flavor make it an ideal choice for TMI Foods canned lychee, ensuring a delightful experience with every bite.

Conclusion

Vietnamese lychee is steadily making its mark on the global stage, with the U.S. market as a key milestone. Despite logistical and regulatory challenges, Vietnam’s commitment — backed by quality exporters like TMICORP — is turning lychee into a symbol of national pride and international potential. Through TMI Foods canned lychee, the rich flavor of Thieu lychee is now enjoyed year-round, offering global consumers a true taste of Vietnam.