Vietnamese durian faces increased competition in China.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Laos will become the sixth country to export fresh durian to China, after Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Cambodia.

On December 12, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) announced that fresh durian from Laos would be allowed to be imported into China if it met phytosanitary requirements.

With this approval, Laos becomes the sixth country allowed to export fresh durian to China, after Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Cambodia.

Currently, Laos has over 20,000 hectares of durian plantations. Since 2021, significant investment from China, Vietnam, and Malaysia has poured into this sector, leading to widespread durian cultivation across all three regions of Laos: North, Central, and South, according to Produce Report.

On the other hand, Laos shares a border with China and is connected by the China-Laos railway, giving it a significant logistical advantage. Production and transportation costs in Laos are considered lower than in Thailand.

Chinese investors also expect to adopt new management methods to raise local farming standards. If productivity and quality improve, Lao durian could directly compete with Thai durian, thereby increasing downward pressure on prices in the market.

A roadside durian stall in Laos (Photo: Nikkei Asia).

According to GACC's announcement, China has identified five quarantine pests of concern, including: guava fruit fly, durian seed borer, Jack Beardsley mealybug, coffee mealybug, and passion fruit vine mealybug.

Currently, orchards planning to export fresh durian to China must establish a rigorous quality management and traceability system, adhering to good agricultural practices and integrated pest management. The orchards need to ensure hygiene, be free from surrounding sources of contamination, and promptly remove fallen, rotten, and damaged fruit.

During the packaging process, durians must be cleaned, sorted, graded, and damaged fruit removed, ensuring that the shipment is free from insects, mites, rotten fruit, branches, leaves, roots, or soil. If necessary, insect control can be carried out at the packaging facility. The entire process must comply with Chinese food safety regulations and standards; absolutely no inedible substances should be used or added.

Previously, according to information from the Import-Export Department ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), Laos initiated a 25-year project to cultivate high-quality durian, aiming to boost exports to China and improve both the quality and quantity of the product.

In the first phase of the project, the country piloted the planting of 6 hectares in Vientiane to establish a farm specializing in growing and propagating high-quality durian trees. This project utilizes modern farming methods based on research.

In recent years, many Chinese businesses have flocked to Laos – a landlocked country with an ideal climate, low labor costs, and vast land areas – to develop durian plantations, with the goal of exporting the fruit back to China, according to Nikkei Asia.

Laos is also organizing training courses on cultivation techniques, orchard management, disease prevention, and processing to enhance product value, while guiding farmers to meet the standards and procedures for exporting fresh durian.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/kinh-doanh/sau-rieng-viet-nam-co-them-doi-thu-canh-tranh-tai-trung-quoc-20251217133157839.htm