Thai Durian Dominates Chinese Market

HONG KONG, Aug 22 (Bernama-VNA) -- Thailand is consolidating its position as the leading supplier of durians to China, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) citing South China Morning Post’s report said.

According to the report, shipments of fresh durians from Thailand to China, the world’s top consumer of the pungent fruits - rebounded in the second quarter after a drop earlier this year. It is attributed to a seasonal harvest spike and a lasting reputation for quality.

Data from China Customs showed that durian imports from Thailand reached nearly US$2.67 billion, accounting for 75 per cent of total fruit imports. This figure is a significant improvement compared to the 42.5 per cent recorded in the first quarter of this year. 

In addition, Thailand accounted for 68 per cent of China's durian import market share in 2023.

According to an economist at Willamette University in the United States (US) in Oregon, Liang Yan, Thailand has long had a “first mover advantage” among Chinese consumers.

The second quarter of each year marks the major harvest season for Thai durians, observers said, while consistency of flavour and brand recognition grant additional appeal.

An adviser with the Durian Academy, an institution that trains Malaysian growers,  Lim Chin Khee, said Thailand’s increased share in the second quarter can be mainly attributed to the seasonal peak of Thai durian production, their strong and established trade networks, and consumer preference for Thai durians during this time

It also reported economic adviser at the Singapore-based financial services firm CGS, Song Seng Wun said Thai durians remain popular in China largely because the flavour seldom wavers, though the fruits lack the variety of taste. 

Meanwhile, Thailand’s main competitor, Vietnam, supplied almost all of the remaining shipments in the second quarter.

Vietnamese durians are more competitive in terms of price than their Thai peers in China due to lower transport costs thanks to the use of land borders.

China is the world’s biggest buyer of durians, it imported 1.4 million tonnes in 2023. Dubbed “king of fruits” by many consumers, it is treated as a delicacy and has even been given as a gift to celebrate special occasions such as weddings.

-- BERNAMA-VNA