FOR years, Thailand has been ranked as the world’s top exporter of durian. However, Vietnam is gaining pace in China’s competitive durian market.
Durian is a unique tropical fruit that is popular in Southeast Asia, hence, earning the nickname “king of fruits.”
Underneath its smelly exterior lies a soft and pillowy texture that its patrons discovered to be incredibly delicious and sweet.
According to Chinese state media, at least 48,000 tonnes of durian shipments were transported to Youyiguan, also known as the Friendship Gate, located between the Thailand and Vietnam border during the first three months of 2024.
Of this number, 35,000 tonnes of durian came from Vietnam while Thailand transported 13,000 tonnes or more than twice less than its Southeast Asian neighbor.
The drought and heatwave in Thailand which experts blamed on climate change resulted in lower production
Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture said the country is likely to surpass Thailand and dominate the Chinese market if Vietnamese growers focus on renovating cultivation techniques and improving the quality of products.
Thailand aims to export about one million tonnes of durian, valued at an around 130 billion baht in 2024, with most of the shipments exported to China.
