Vietnam Challenges Thailand as Durian Export Leader Amid China’s Booming Demand

China’s insatiable appetite for durian is fueling a high-stakes competition among Southeast Asian suppliers, with Indonesia now pushing to enter the lucrative market.
A shopper in Macao inspects durian fruit at a local market. Much of the pungent fruit available for sale in China comes from Thailand and Vietnam. Agencja Fotograficzna Caro / Alamy Photo

Vietnam’s durian industry is booming, fueled by China’s increasing love for the “King of Fruits.”

In 2024, Vietnam’s durian exports hit an impressive $3.3 billion, a staggering almost 8-fold increase from 2022. This rapid growth highlights the country’s strategic approach to tapping into a lucrative market.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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