Thai exporters as well as government agencies should be encouraged to boost durian exports towards China after Vietnam’s rise to the top exporter. An analysis by Dan Viet highlighted that in the beginning of the year Vietnam has accounted for 57% of the market for China’s durian imports. This is a substantial rise from the 32% it had preceding year.

According to the report: “China imported 53,110 tons of durian worth US$283.6 million during the first two months of the year.” This means that Thailand is now ranked in the top two durian exporter in China and has shipments of 19,016 tons worth $120.3 million. Vietnam’s continuous durian production, particularly in times of low-season for Thai durians, as well as the competitive price of US$4.916 per ton in comparison to the Thai price of $6.133 per ton has helped boost its position on the market.

The proximity to China helps facilitate rapid Vietnamese exports. This is in line with Thailand Department of International Trade Promotion’s report for December that declared Vietnam as China’s main durian supplier as of September. Vietnam exporting 452,000 tonnes of durian worth $1.94 billion China during the initial ten months of the year before.

Source: nationthailand.com