Durian exports remain stable through the Lao Cai border gate

50 to 70 trucks are dispatched for durian exports daily

The International Border Gate No. 2 Kim Thanh in Lao Cai province is one of the most vital entry points for agricultural import - export activities with neighboring countries. Primary exports include traditional products such as peeled timber, dried cassava, and fresh fruits such as dragon fruit, longan, lychee, bananas, and durian. During the peak durian harvest season, durian experiences stable exports with an average of 50 to 70 transportation trucks crossing the Kim Thanh border gate daily.

For these durian trucks to officially pass through the International Border Gate No. 2 Kim Thanh, they must strictly meet requirements regarding food safety and hygiene, and keep pesticide residue levels within permissible limits. Moreover, they must adhere to regulations on packaging standards, origin traceability, and production unit codes.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Men, a seasoned durian exporter to China, reported that the price of export-grade Thai durian, which weighs 2 to 5 kilograms per fruit, reached as high as 115,000 VND per kilogram at the start of the season. However, the current price range fluctuates between 95,000 and 97,000 VND per kilogram. On the other hand, export-grade Ri6 durian with yellow flesh, small seeds, and large fruit is priced at approximately 75,000 to 77,000 VND per kilogram. Despite the abundance of durian varieties, the export of high-quality durians requires meticulous selection, which involves tapping each fruit to detect hollowness, immaturity, or infestations.

Ms. Men currently receives her supplies from the durian hub in Dak Lak province. The transportation cost from Dak Lak to Lao Cai is roughly 95 million VND per container. Additionally, the transportation truck takes approximately 54 hours to reach the Kim Thanh border gate.

"When our trucks are en route, we inform the Customs agency at the Lao Cai entry point in advance to facilitate the procedures. Upon arrival, the durians are exported to China in just a single morning. Some trucks are received at the border gate, while others have to travel deeper into China's territory for three to four days. As a result, the quality of the fruits must be ensured," Ms. Nguyen Thi Men explained.

According to traders, payments for durian shipments are highly secured since this is a high-value commodity, with each container valued at around 1.3 to 1.5 billion VND. A portion of the payment is made at the durian hub, and the remainder is settled before export. However, there are separate payment agreements for long-term, reputable partners that deal with large quantities of imports.

According to the Lao Cai province's Department of Customs, durian exports at the International Border Gate No. 2 Kim Thanh reached 138,400 tons in the first eight months of 2023, with durian export turnover exceeding 150 million USD.

A sudden surge in agricultural exports

According to the Management Board of Lao Cai province's Economic Zone, import and export activities through the Lao Cai border gate have remained stable with approximately 350 to 400 cargo trucks passing through daily. At the international railway station, customs operations have also been stable with 4 to 6 trains departing and arriving daily. The majority of customs-clearance activities at the border focus on transit sulfur and imported fertilizers.

Lao Cai province and relevant agencies have implemented administrative reforms and adjusted infrastructure fees in order to support businesses and individuals engaged in import and export activities.

Most notably, the Management Board of Lao Cai province's Economic Zone officially launched a digital application at the Kim Thanh Border Gate No. 2 on August 21. The application aims to expedite customs clearance and cargo import-export processes. Furthermore, the application will assist businesses with completing procedures, remote tracking, and monitoring their administrative progress.

According to Mr. Pham Van Phuc, Deputy Director of Lao Cai province's Department of Customs, import and export activities through the Lao Cai border gate has been relatively stable since the beginning of 2023, with a total import-export turnover exceeding 750 million USD. Additionally, agricultural exports have seen a remarkable increase of over 200%, whereas imports have decreased by 57%.

"Lao Cai province's Department of Customs have consistently supported businesses engaged in import and export activities, with a focus on customs clearance for agricultural products to avoid congestion and minimize potential losses," stressed Mr. Pham Van Phuc.

Mr. Vuong Trinh Quoc, Head of the Management Board of Lao Cai province's Economic Zone, stated, " Lao Cai International Border Gate has fully resumed its functions in 2023. Subsequently, the volume of goods, and the participation of businesses in import and export activities have both returned to normal. We have effectively carried out the export of agricultural products from Vietnamese provinces to Yunnan, China. Businesses have chosen to export traditional products such as dragon fruit and durian through the Lao Cai International Border Gate. Improvements at the border gates will enhance the coordination of public services and inter-departmental cooperation, facilitating information sharing for businesses."

Between September 7 to September 13, 2023, activities at the Muong Khuong (Lao Cai, Vietnam) - Kieu Dau (China) border gate and the open trail between Lo Co Chin, Muong Khuong district (Lao Cai, Vietnam) - Lao Kha (China) proceeded smoothly. Cross-border activities remained stable with no reported violations. Most notably, 173 people traveled through the Muong Khuong border gate, with 115 from Vietnam and 58 from China; 229 people traveled through the Lo Co Chin open trail, with 209 from Vietnam and 21 from China. The primary reasons for these visits were visiting relatives and attending weekend markets.