Thailand's actions after losing to Vietnam in durian export to China

According to data from the China Customs Administration, the country imported 53,110 tons of fresh durian in the first 2 months of 2024, with a value of $ 283.6 million, increased 0.4% in volume but decreased 0.9% in value compared to the same period last year.

In particular, Vietnam has surpassed Thailand to rise to the No. 1 position in durian exports to China with a volume of 32,750 tons, worth $ 161 million, increased 2.4 times in volume compared to the same period last year. Vietnam's durian market share in China calculated by turnover has increased from 32% in 2023 to 57% in the first 2 months of this year.

In the first 2 months of this year, the price of Vietnamese durian exports to China reached an average of $ 4,916/ton, lower than the price of $ 6,133/ton in Thailand, but higher than the Philippines at $ 3,075/ton.

Vietnamese durian is considered to have the advantage of abundant output, harvested all year round, especially when Thai durian is not yet in harvest season. In addition, an advantage of durian when exported to China is fast shipping time and competitive price. These are the factors that have helped Vietnamese durian make great progress in the Chinese market after less than 2 years of opening in this market.

The above data is consistent with the report of the Thailand Department of International Trade Promotion in December 2023 which stated that Vietnam will become the number one durian exporter in China instead of Thailand in September 2024.

The Thai Department of International Trade Promotion said China imported 120,000 tons of durian in October 2023, an increase of 100,000 tons over the same period last year. However, China claims that it has increased imports from Vietnam and reduced imports from Thailand.

"Vietnam exported 452,000 tons of durian worth $ 1.94 billion to China in the first 10 months of 2023", said the Thai Department of International Trade Promotion.

The Thai Department of International Trade Promotion emphasized that Vietnam is currently only allowed to export fresh durian to China, while Thailand has been allowed to export fresh, frozen and processed durian.

"If China allows Vietnam to export frozen durian, the country's export volume will increase even more", the agency warned.

The Thai Department of International Trade Promotion also called on durian exporters and government agencies to find ways to increase exports and maintain market share in China.