Thailand’s durian exports to China face stiffer competition from other ASEAN countries

Thailand’s durian exports to China will face stiffer competition from other ASEAN member countries like Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as Chinese grown fruit.

The Indonesian government is set to increase the export of durians to China from Central Sulawesi province.

On Monday, Central Sulawesi Governor Rusdy Mastura said that the province could lead durian exports to China as it boasts around 30,000 ha of durian plantations with more than three million trees across 12 districts.

According to data from Indonesia’s Agricultural Quarantine Agency, durian exports from Central Sulawesi to China were valued at about IDR 600 billion ($36.93 million).

Rusdy noted that the province has adequate port facilities and is well-equipped for direct export to China, with an estimated travel time of seven to nine days.

According to Xinhua News Agency, durian is being cultivated for domestic consumption in Sanya city in China’s Hainan province.

The Mon Thong variety is priced at THB 400 ($11) per kilo in China, about twice as expensive as in Thailand.

China is the world’s largest importer and consumer of durian.

According to Kasikorn Research Centre (KRC), Thailand’s fresh durian exports to China are projected to reach $4.5 billion this year.

KRC said that although Thailand will continue to enjoy a major share of the durian export market to China, the share of durian shipments from rival countries are projected to increase, therefore, maintaining the quality of Thai durians is the key to retaining their competitiveness.