Thailand Seeks Easing of Chinese Durian Import Restrictions Amid Intensified Regional Competition
Commerce Minister Engages Chinese Officials to Address Chemical Inspection Protocols and Expedite Customs Procedures
Thailand's Commerce Minister, Pichai Naripthaphan, convened with Chinese diplomats, including Wu Zhiwu, Minister of the Chinese Embassy, and Zhang Xiaoxiao, Chargé d'Affaires for Economic and Trade Affairs, to discuss the relaxation of import restrictions on Thai durians ahead of the upcoming fruit season.
Minister Pichai advocated for the reduction of stringent chemical residue inspections, particularly concerning Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) dye, which are currently conducted randomly on shipments.
He also proposed enhancements to customs procedures, including the acceleration of clearance processes, the deployment of additional screening equipment, and the augmentation of staff at checkpoints to manage the anticipated surge in durian exports.
In response, Minister Wu Zhiwu agreed to relay Thailand's proposals to the relevant Chinese authorities.
He also emphasized the importance of Thailand strengthening its domestic controls to prevent chemical contamination in durian exports.
Thailand exported approximately 833,000 tonnes of durians to China in 2024, valued at around $3.7 billion, accounting for 97.4% of its total durian exports.
However, the country faces increasing competition from Vietnam, whose durian exports to China surged by 37.6% in 2024, reaching $2.94 billion and expanding its market share to 42.1%.
Chinese customs in Nanning have implemented measures to facilitate the import of agricultural products, including the establishment of fast-track lanes, extended operating hours, increased staffing, pre-scheduled inspections, and the redirection of Vietnamese transporters to bilateral checkpoints to alleviate congestion.
Similarly, Kunming customs have increased overtime hours, added staff, and expanded laboratory capacity from three to five BY2 testing rooms, four of which are currently operational, capable of analyzing up to 400 samples daily.
An expansion of traffic lanes from two to twelve is anticipated early next year.
To bolster the presence of Thai durians in the Chinese market, the Thai government is promoting their unique flavor through digital platforms targeting younger consumers and showcasing Thai durians at international expos.
Initiatives include Thai SELECT durian menus, durian-themed tours, and durian buffets in major Chinese shopping centers.
Minister Pichai advocated for the reduction of stringent chemical residue inspections, particularly concerning Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) dye, which are currently conducted randomly on shipments.
He also proposed enhancements to customs procedures, including the acceleration of clearance processes, the deployment of additional screening equipment, and the augmentation of staff at checkpoints to manage the anticipated surge in durian exports.
In response, Minister Wu Zhiwu agreed to relay Thailand's proposals to the relevant Chinese authorities.
He also emphasized the importance of Thailand strengthening its domestic controls to prevent chemical contamination in durian exports.
Thailand exported approximately 833,000 tonnes of durians to China in 2024, valued at around $3.7 billion, accounting for 97.4% of its total durian exports.
However, the country faces increasing competition from Vietnam, whose durian exports to China surged by 37.6% in 2024, reaching $2.94 billion and expanding its market share to 42.1%.
Chinese customs in Nanning have implemented measures to facilitate the import of agricultural products, including the establishment of fast-track lanes, extended operating hours, increased staffing, pre-scheduled inspections, and the redirection of Vietnamese transporters to bilateral checkpoints to alleviate congestion.
Similarly, Kunming customs have increased overtime hours, added staff, and expanded laboratory capacity from three to five BY2 testing rooms, four of which are currently operational, capable of analyzing up to 400 samples daily.
An expansion of traffic lanes from two to twelve is anticipated early next year.
To bolster the presence of Thai durians in the Chinese market, the Thai government is promoting their unique flavor through digital platforms targeting younger consumers and showcasing Thai durians at international expos.
Initiatives include Thai SELECT durian menus, durian-themed tours, and durian buffets in major Chinese shopping centers.