Cambodian Durian Gains Traction in China as Buyer Shifts from Thailand

Cambodian durian is carving out a bigger share of the Chinese market, with a major buyer switching sourcing from Thailand to the Kingdom. Chinese firm Pechenda Fruit Production has shifted its durian imports from Thailand to Cambodia, citing the Kingdom's high-quality fruit, competitive prices, and more efficient overland transportation. Khim Finan, spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, stated, "Because Cambodia has good-quality durian, competitive prices, and more efficient transportation, the company has decided to shift its sourcing and begin exporting directly from Cambodia to the Chinese market." His remarks were made at a ceremony marking Pechenda’s first shipment of fresh durian to China from Battambang province. Three containers carrying over 50 tonnes were transported overland via Laos. The company anticipates shipping an additional 200 tonnes in the next two weeks. Cambodia's durian exports to China have surged significantly, reaching 5,738 tonnes in the first seven months of 2026, a nearly 40-fold increase compared to the total volume in 2025. The Ministry of Agriculture attributes this jump to a new corridor through Laos that reduces delivery time to five days, a stark contrast to the 15–20 days required by sea. According to Finan, this route, launched on June 22, already accounts for nearly 10% of durian exports to China. He urged farmers and exporters to maintain standards to sustain this growth. Agricultural exports generated $6.46 billion in 2025, marking a 7.3% year-on-year increase. Key export commodities include rice, rubber, cassava, cashew nuts, mangoes, pepper, bananas, and durian.