Thailand's durian exports remain top in the world, with new export records constantly being created. According to the latest report released by the Kasikorn Research Center, Thailand’s total export value in May reached a record high of US$934.9 million, an annual increase of 95.3%. Export value to China, the country’s main durian export market, increased a staggering 130.9%.
In recent years, the industry has been under pressure from the increased production capacity of neighboring countries. It is often reported that durians from neighboring countries are exported to China through Thailand, especially Vietnamese products. This shows that durian is no longer unique to Thailand. Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and even China have successfully grown durians locally. Therefore, the industry must invest capital and technologies in the research and development of new varieties and products to maintain competitiveness.
Thailand's durian export boom this year is largely a result of the rapid growth of demand, partly brought by the promotional strategies of shops and platforms. According to official data, durian is one of the fruits with the highest import volume in China, far higher than the popular cherries.
It is estimated that the total value of Thailand's durian export value this year will increase by 35-40% to approximately US$2.8-29 billion. This will also break the export record created last year and make durian an important agricultural and economic crop in Thailand after rubber and cassava. Last year, China imported 1.1 million tons of durian, 99% of which, or 822,620 tons, came from Thailand, followed by Vietnam with 12,326 tons. It can be seen that Vietnam will be a large opponent in the Chinese market.
Source: Thailand China Daily