China's Durian Prices Drop as Vietnam Fills Thailand's Supply Gap

In a recent development reported by the Bangkok Post on May 22nd, 2024, China's durian prices have declined this month due to fierce export competition from Vietnam and consumer focus on budgets. China is the world's largest market for durians.

According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, in April, the import price for Thai durians was $5.80 per kilogram, slightly higher than the average price of $5.38 per kilogram. In contrast, the import price for Vietnamese durians was $4.22 per kilogram. Overall, durian prices have declined compared to March, with Thai durian import prices at $6.49 per kilogram and Vietnamese durian import prices at $5.23 per kilogram, with the monthly average import price at $5.63 per kilogram. The customs data also indicates a decrease in supply volumes. In the first four months of the year, import value decreased by 32% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching $1 billion. The volume shipped decreased by 35% per kilogram.

The fatal heatwaves in Thailand during April and May reduced the harvest in this Southeast Asian country, where prices are typically higher than their Vietnamese counterparts. However, Vietnam has emerged as a strong competitor, successfully undercutting Thailand in the fierce export race, leading to a drop in durian prices in the Chinese market, the world's largest consumer of this tropical fruit.