Thailand Seeks Faster Durian Export Process to China
BANGKOK – April 19, 2025 — Thailand is working to streamline durian exports to China, its largest market, by urging Beijing to ease chemical screening procedures and expedite customs clearance.
Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan met with Wu Zhiwu, China’s Consul-General, and Zhang Xiaoxiao, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, to discuss improving export flow—especially ahead of peak durian season.
Key Developments:
- Request for Relaxation: Thailand asked China to reduce strict chemical contamination checks on Thai durians.
- Brokers Oversight: China proposed that reliable brokers with a history of clean shipments may be subjected only to random quality checks.
- Digital Promotion: Thailand launched a new campaign to boost online durian sales in China using social media influencers and live-streaming.
China currently accounts for 97.4% of Thailand’s durian exports, making it a vital market for Thai agriculture.
Broader Trade Context:
The push comes amid rising trade tensions with the US, which recently imposed a 36% tariff on Thai exports. In response, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced plans to increase imports of US energy, aircraft, and agricultural goods in a bid to balance the trade relationship.
