Chinese durian lovers rejoice as new rail routes bring supply surge and lower prices

Durian fans in China are rejoicing as new rail routes have boosted supply and lowered prices for the pungent fruit. Following a summer of high durian costs, the fruit has become significantly more affordable, with retail prices nearly halving to below 40 yuan per kilogramme, according to reports. In Guangzhou's largest wholesale fruit and vegetable market, Thai and Vietnamese durian prices have dropped from 28 to 31 yuan per kg this August to 29 to 39 yuan per kg last August.

This price decline in China, the world's biggest durian market, has resulted from a surge in imports and improved cross-border transport links. The China-Laos-Thailand all-rail cold-chain service, launched in March, allows Southeast Asian durians to reach China in just three days. The service transports fruit in refrigerated containers under a continuous cold chain, using temperature-controlled loading docks, and delivering to customers in electric refrigerated vehicles.

Customs official Wang Jun stated that China has approved imports from five additional countries since 2022, including Vietnam, Malaysia and Laos, expanding its supply sources. Imports of durians reached 1.87 million tonnes last year, double the volume from 2022, with Thailand alone exporting US$4.55 billion worth of durians to China from January to July, accounting for more than three quarters of total shipments by value.