Chinese imports of the pungent fruit have increased by 47% in the first half of 2026, prompting a sharp decline in prices
Durians on sale at Simummuang Market in Pathum Thani province, May 2026. (File photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
HONG KONG — China's durian imports rose 47%, year on year, in the first half of 2026, with Thailand and Malaysia posting particularly strong gains, according to customs data, as Southeast Asian exporters offloaded a glut of the fruit that had sparked a price drop.Thailand exported nearly US$3.79 billion worth of the pungent spiky fruit shipped to China in the first half of 2026, the Chinese customs data showed, taking an 81% share of the market. Thai shipments reached $2.56 billion in the first half of 2025, also nearly 81% of the total.
Vietnam came in second place over the first six months of 2026 with $846 million, or 18%, of the total inbound shipments.
Thai durians maintain an edge in preference for Chinese consumers, with a mature logistics and quality-control infrastructure that has given the fruit a sterling reputation. Vietnam, which received approval to ship fresh durians to China in 2022, ramped up exports last year but has been stung by occasional quality-control issues.
