Yunnan province has witnessed an increase in durian imports during the first half of the year, according to Kunming Customs data. The province imported 151,000 tons of durians, which is a 27.6% increase from the previous year. The import value of these durians reached 5.03 billion yuan, marking a 24.3% rise from the prior year.
Out of the total imports, 92,000 tons were sourced from Thailand, with an import value of 3.43 billion yuan, positioning Yunnan as the second largest importer of Thai durians nationwide. Meanwhile, 59,000 tons were imported from Vietnam, with an import value of 1.6 billion yuan, making Yunnan the leading importer of Vietnamese durians in the country.
The data further indicates a notable growth in Yunnan's share of national durian imports following the inauguration of the China-Laos Railway. Prior to the operation of the China-Laos Railway, Yunnan's share in the national durian import market was 7.7%, ranking it fifth nationwide. In 2022, the year following the railway's inauguration, Yunnan's share escalated to 14.4%, making it the second-largest importer in the country.
In response to these developments, Yunnan has been actively enhancing logistics and trade along the China-Laos Railway corridor. The province has bolstered cooperation with key economic regions, including the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and has been instrumental in the operation of the China-Laos-Thailand international railway refrigerated container train, further cementing the "golden route" status of the China-Laos Railway.
Utilizing its strategic location, Hekou in southern Yunnan has emerged as a prime import site for durians in China. The port has implemented measures such as a green channel for fresh goods and a dedicated "Belt and Road Initiative" channel, which have significantly streamlined customs clearance processes. These measures have made Hekou an attractive hub for durian trading companies.