Cambodian Durian Surges in China, Overtaking Thai Imports Amid New Route Launch

Cambodia's fresh durian exports to China have seen a dramatic surge, with Chinese importers increasingly opting for Cambodian fruit over Thai varieties. From January to July 2026, Cambodia exported a total of 5,738 tonnes of fresh durian to China, marking an almost 40-fold increase compared to the entirety of 2025 exports. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries lauded this sharp rise as a "major achievement," attributing the growth to government initiatives in opening new markets and establishing an overland transit route through Laos. On July 25, a dispatch ceremony was held for the first overland shipment of fresh durian by Pechenda Fruit Production. Three containers carrying over 50 tonnes of fruit were destined for the Chinese market via Laos. Ministry spokesperson Khim Finan noted that the Chinese company purchasing this shipment had previously sourced its durian from Thailand. However, due to Cambodia now offering "higher-quality durian, more competitive prices, and a more efficient transport route," the company has shifted its sourcing directly to Cambodia. The Chinese buyer reportedly plans to import an additional 200 tonnes of fresh durian within the next one to two weeks. The new overland transit route, established following bilateral negotiations with Laos, allows Cambodian durian to reach Chinese markets in approximately five days. This significantly cuts down the previous 15–20 day transit time and reduces logistical complexities. Cambodian exporters have been utilizing this agricultural transit corridor regularly since its official launch on June 22. The ministry expressed delight that all stakeholders in Cambodia's durian value chain, from farmers to logistics providers, are benefiting from these government efforts. It urged all parties to maintain honesty, comply with export standards, and safeguard product quality to further strengthen the nation's durian export industry. Cambodia and China signed protocols governing fresh durian exports on April 17, 2025, during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit. China’s General Administration of Customs formally approved imports of Cambodian fresh durian on April 28, 2025, subject to stringent quality and phytosanitary standards. As of 2025, Cambodia had 16,193 hectares dedicated to durian plantations, primarily in Kampong Cham, Kampot, and Pursat provinces. These plantations have the potential to produce around 135,546 tonnes annually. The country currently boasts 112 Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-certified orchards, four export processing companies, and 20 packing houses. In 2025, Cambodia exported a total of 14,980 tonnes of durian to five international markets, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and France. Fresh durian is now among 17 Cambodian agricultural products approved for export to China.