Thailand boosts imports of Vietnamese durian

The latest data from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (VINAFRUIT) revealed that China has maintained its position as Vietnam's largest export market in the first seven months of 2024, with an export revenue reaching nearly 2.5 billion USD. This is an increase of 25% compared to the corresponding period in 2023. China's position is followed by the United States and South Korea, with export revenues of 189 million USD and 188 million USD, respectively, representing an increase of 31% and 51%.

Thailand’s emergence as the fourth-largest export market, with a revenue of approximately 123 million USD, marks a surprising 70% increase over the seven-month period. Thailand also recorded the strongest growth among all markets worldwide.

VINAFRUIT has attributed this development to Thailand’s increased purchase of durian, longan, and lychee from Vietnam in the first half of 2024. Accordingly, Thailand imported 47 million USD worth of durian, accounting for more than one-third of its total fruit and vegetable imports from Vietnam.

This figure also represents a year-on-year increase of over 90% compared to the corresponding period in 2023. In addition to fresh durian, Thailand has increased its import of frozen durian products.

Businesses reported that Thailand has significantly boosted its import of frozen durian within the last month. Notably, several shipments are subsequently exported to China. Many major retail chains in Thailand have doubled their fruit and vegetable imports compared to the first seven months of 2023.

Unlike Vietnam, which can supply durian year-round, Thailand's production season is limited to the four months between March and June every year. Thailand’s durian yield has declined in 2024 due to the impact of El Nino, resulting in widespread drought across the country. Consequently, domestically produced durians in Thailand were unable to meet export requirements for size.

Durian is one of Thailand's key agricultural products, with an estimated export revenue reaching over several billions of dollars. This fruit also ranks as the country’s third most valuable export, after rice and rubber.

VINAFRUIT forecasts that this trend may continue as Vietnam enters its durian harvest season in its top production region, the Central Highlands.

On the other hand, Vietnam spent 32 million USD to import fruits and vegetables from Thailand, which is an increase of 35% compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Main import items included dates, mangosteen, tamarind, and pomegranate.

Ultimately, Vietnam achieved a trade surplus of over 90 million USD in the fruit and vegetable sector with Thailand.

According to VINAFRUIT, this growth represents a significant milestone as, just ten years ago, Thailand was the leading supplier of fruits and vegetables to Vietnam. Vietnam's imports from Thailand have exceeded 400 million USD per year on several occasions, surpassing even China.

However, at present, Thailand has dropped to ninth place among Vietnam’s sources of fruit and vegetable imports.