Thailand's position as leading durian exporter threatened by Vietnam

Thailand's position as the leading exporter of fresh durians to China could be threatened by Vietnam.

This was stated by an industry source quoted by the Chinese news agency Xinhua.

Until now, Thailand was the world's largest exporter of durians, with a global market share of 93.3%.

The kingdom's main markets are China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

But with new competition from Vietnam, the country could lose its place at the top of the podium.

See: Thailand is the world's largest exporter of durians

The Xinhua report follows a recent report that 48,000 tonnes of durian were transported through Youyiguan, China's main land border checkpoint, in the first quarter of this year.

Of this amount, 35,000 tonnes of durian came from Vietnam and 13,000 tonnes from Thailand, Xinhua said.

The figures show a 48.1% increase in Vietnamese exports and a 59.5% decrease in Thai supply.

The source said Thai durian shipments to China during the period fell partly due to lower production caused by drought and heat in the kingdom.

See also: Sugar production drops in Thailand due to severe drought

Durians at a Thai market.

Last year, China imported 1.42 million tonnes of fresh durians, including 928,644 tonnes supplied by Thailand (65.19%), while Vietnam shipped 492,111 tonnes (34.55%), followed by the Philippines with 3,770 tonnes (0.26%).

Data on durian consumption in China further indicates that Thailand faces strong competition from Vietnam and the Philippines.

A major durian importer in China told Xinhua that before 2023, the company only imported durians from Thailand, but later had to diversify its sources of supply to meet growing consumer demand.

Imports are now split between Thailand and Vietnam, the importer told Xinhua.

Vietnam has an advantage over Thailand due to shorter distances and lower costs, the news agency reported.

Thailand has seen its market share shrink since September 2022.

The report said Thailand must work hard to maintain its competitiveness by implementing strict quality control measures for its durian exports.

See: Why Thailand needs to improve its durian production

To do this, Thailand needs to improve the efficiency of transportation and logistics, the report says.

According to an official from the Department for International Trade Promotion (DITP), China allows imports of fresh durians from three countries: Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

By 2022, Thailand's market share was over 95%, as Vietnam was only allowed to start supplying durians to China in August of that year.

While the Philippines started in early 2023, according to the DITP.

See also:

Thailand targets 1 trillion baht in durian exports

Alcohol + durian: a deadly mix normally well known in Thailand

Odorless durian makes its debut in Thailand

Welcome to the land of durians in Thailand

Source: Bangkok Post