Thailand is consolidating its place because the main provider of durians to China, reported the South China Morning Put up.
Shipments of recent durians from Thailand to China – the world’s high shopper of the pungent fruits – rebounded within the second quarter after a drop earlier this 12 months. It’s attributed to a seasonal harvest spike and an enduring popularity for high quality.
Information from China Customs confirmed that durian imports from Thailand reached practically $2.67 billion, accounting for 75% of complete fruit imports. This determine is a big enchancment in comparison with the 42.5% recorded within the first quarter of this 12 months. As well as, Thailand accounted for 68% of China’s durian import market share in 2023.
Thailand’s major competitor, Vietnam, equipped nearly the entire remaining shipments within the second quarter. Vietnamese durians are extra aggressive when it comes to value than their Thai friends in China as a result of decrease transport prices because of using land border.
In line with Liang Yan, an economist at Willamette College within the U.S. state of Oregon, Thailand has lengthy had a “first mover benefit” amongst Chinese language customers.
The second quarter of every 12 months marks the main harvest season for Thai durians, observers mentioned, whereas consistency of flavour and model recognition grant further enchantment.
Thailand’s elevated share within the second quarter will be primarily attributed to the seasonal peak of Thai durian manufacturing, their sturdy and established commerce networks, and shopper desire for Thai durians throughout this time, mentioned Lim Chin Khee, an adviser with the Durian Academy, an establishment that trains Malaysian growers.
China, the world’s largest purchaser of durians, imported 1.4 million tonnes in 2023. Dubbed “king of fruits” by many customers, it’s handled as a delicacy and has even been given as a present to have fun particular events equivalent to weddings.
Thai durians stay well-liked in China largely as a result of the flavour seldom wavers, although the fruits lack the number of style, mentioned Tune Seng Wun, an financial adviser on the Singapore-based monetary providers agency CGS.
