The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Thailand maintains that Thai durians continue to dominate the Chinese market, following enhancements in food safety protocols. Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat met with Sun Meijun, Minister of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), to discuss Thai fruit imports. Thailand holds the position as the top fruit exporter to China, with Thai durians capturing a 57% market share.
Thailand exports durians valued at 130-140 billion baht annually, with projections for growth by 2025. In response to concerns over Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) contamination, a carcinogenic substance, the Department of Agriculture (DoA) has been directed to implement pre-export screening as per GACC's requirements. The National Fruit Product Development and Management Policy Committee, known as the Fruit Board, is tasked with screening for BY2, cadmium, and other contaminants.
Five laboratories are currently set to conduct contamination inspections, but additional resources are required to meet the increasing demand for Thai durians, which generate at least 100 billion baht annually.
Source: Bangkok Post