Thailand’s durian industry has strengthened its grip on the Chinese market, as second-quarter shipments of the prized fruit surged, recovering from an earlier decline this year. This uptick aligns with the seasonal harvest and reflects Thailand’s well-established reputation for quality.
China Customs data reveal a substantial rise in durian imports from Thailand, reaching nearly $2.67 billion. This figure now represents 75% of China’s total fruit imports, a notable leap from the 42.5% recorded during the first quarter of 2024. Thailand’s dominance extended through 2023, capturing 68% of China’s durian market share.
Vietnam, though an emerging competitor, supplied nearly the remainder of durian shipments during the second quarter. The cost advantage of Vietnamese durians, primarily driven by lower transportation expenses via land routes, has made them a competitive alternative to Thai varieties.
Liang Yan, an economist at Willamette University in Oregon, emphasizes Thailand’s early and sustained entry into the Chinese market, which has cemented its position. Thai durians benefit from a second-quarter peak in production, ensuring a reliable supply during this critical period. The fruit’s consistent flavor profile and strong brand recognition further amplify its appeal to Chinese consumers.
Expert insight from Lim Chin Khee of the Durian Academy attributes Thailand’s success to a combination of peak production timing, robust trade networks, and a clear preference among consumers for Thai durians during this harvest season.
China, the world’s largest durian consumer, imported 1.4 million tonnes of the fruit throughout 2023. Revered as the ‘king of fruits,’ durians hold a prestigious status within Chinese culture, often featured as luxurious gifts at significant events like weddings.
Song Seng Wun, an economic adviser at CGS in Singapore, notes that while Thai durians may lack the diverse flavors of other varieties, their consistent taste remains a key factor driving their popularity and market dominance in China.
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