HONG KONG: Shipments of fresh durians from Thailand to China, the world’s largest market for these fragrant fruits, experienced a significant rebound in the second quarter of 2024 following a drop earlier in the year. This resurgence is attributed to a surge in seasonal harvest and Thailand’s long-standing reputation for high-quality durians.
According to customs data, Thai durian imports to China were valued at nearly $2.67 billion, accounting for a remarkable 75% of all durian shipments during this period. This marks a considerable increase from 42.5% in the first quarter of 2024 and indicates a quarter-on-quarter rise of $2.5 billion. For the entire year of 2023, Thailand maintained a 68% share of China’s durian imports.
Vietnam, Thailand’s main competitor, has managed to capture a small portion of the market during the second quarter. Vietnamese durians often undercut Thai prices due to reduced shipping costs from land transport routes. However, Chinese authorities suspended exports from 33 Vietnamese sources in June due to concerns regarding quality.
Analysts suggest that Vietnam’s rapid expansion in fresh durian exports since 2022—previously dominated by Thailand—may have led producers to compromise quality for higher shipment volumes.
Thailand’s stronghold in the Chinese market stems from its established reputation, as noted by industry experts. The peak harvest season in the second quarter further enhances the appeal of Thai durians due to their consistent flavor and brand recognition.
“The increase in Thailand’s market share during this time can be attributed to the seasonal peak, robust trade networks, and a clear consumer preference for Thai durians,” said an industry adviser.
As the world’s largest buyer, China imported 1.4 million tonnes of durians in 2023. This delicacy, often referred to as the “king of fruits,” is a popular gift for special occasions, including weddings.
Despite challenges faced by Thai growers earlier in the year due to extreme weather conditions, local authorities provided emergency support to mitigate the impact on production.
Recent trade data reveals that in July, Thai durian imports were valued at $363 million, while Vietnamese durians garnered $270 million. From April to July, Thailand shipped 609 million kilograms of durians compared to Vietnam’s 296 million kilograms.
Thai durians continue to be favored in China for their reliable flavor, though their taste profile may lack the variety that some consumers desire. In contrast, Malaysia recently secured approval to export fresh durians to China, although its supply is not yet sufficient to compete effectively in the market.
While Malaysian durians may be priced higher than Thai varieties due to their diverse flavors, analysts predict that Thailand will remain the predominant supplier in the near term, owing to its substantial export volume.
