Source: nongnghiepmoitruong.vn
The durian harvest in 2025 is covered with a gloomy color on the main growing areas in Thailand. Sheet Thailath said that Thai durian production dropped sharply due to abnormal weather, while the price dropped by exporting to China was tightened with quality control. Durian growers are in a difficult position, hard to carry.
Thai people harvest durian. Image: Thaigov.
Mr. Phanusak Saiphanich, adviser of the Thai Durian Association, said that this year the Eastern durian (the main planting area) produces fruits nearly 1 month late compared to every year. Not only is the harvest slow, many gardens also suffered heavy damage due to prolonged heavy rain, causing the whole region’s production to below 700,000 tons – much lower than the expectation of 1 million tons at the beginning of the crop.
While the output decreases, the selling price falls free. “There are farmers investing up to 100 baht (nearly 80,000 VND) for each kilogram of durian, but selling less than 50 baht (about 40,000 VND),” Mr. Phanusak shared. The current durian price is now half lower than the same period last year, pushing a series of garden houses into heavy holes.
The pressure not only comes from the field, but also from the export market. China – The place to consume up to 80% of Thailand durian – is applying a series of technical barriers. Since the beginning of 2025, the shipment of Thai durian imported goods has to check 100% of containers on Cadimi residues and yellow industrial dyes (BY2), which is used to create a beautiful appearance for durian shell.
Although this substance has been banned, the tests still detect y gold residues, not only on durian shells but also in packaging. When there are signs of infection, all containers are denied import. The test process also increased, lasting from 12 to 15 days instead of 7 days as before, making durian easily damaged. As a result, the amount of inventory increased, the price dropped sharply and the burden of pouring on the shoulder of farmers.
Another factor that pushes the price is a decline in the number of Chinese traders buying. If last year had about 600 to 700 units opened the purchasing point in eastern Thailand, this year only 100-200 establishments. Competition decreases, causing durian prices not to be “pushed” as before, while domestic demand for consumption of about 20% of production, not enough to carry the rest.
Durian expert Phanusak warns, if the situation continues, many farmers will leave the garden, even tighten durian trees.
“Many people think that durian farmers make great profits.
General Director of Rapeepat is accused of accepting bribes when checking yellow residues O. Photo: Photo: Matichon.
The Thai Durian Association called on the Thai government to be stronger, especially in diplomacy with China. “We need Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directly negotiate. Fruit is the main export item, with a large trade surplus with China, but now farmers, those who make products, are suffering the most heavily,” he said.
In the context of climate fluctuations, the export market fluctuations and escalating production costs, the Thai durian industry faces the risk of losing growth without timely support policies.
Daily Thailath Comment: Durian growers are more needed than ever a “shield” of price, technical and market to be able to overcome this stormy season.
Thai durian faces many difficulties by 2025. In addition to being required by China to test 100% of export containers, the country is also facing intense heat from March 2025, the temperature often fluctuates around 40 degrees Celsius, with serious drought.
The harsh weather conditions cause durian to ripen early, not to reach the optimal size, leading to reduced quality and value of commercial products. Farmers are forced to buy water from outside to water the garden, increasing significant production costs.
Also in March 2025, the Thai Agriculture sector continued to shock when the Director of the General Department of Agriculture Rapeepat Chansriwong was suspended from work, after the allegations of receiving bribes during the process of checking gold residues O.
The Thai Ministry of Commerce said that the country exported about 860,000 tons of durian to China in 2024, worth nearly 3.8 billion USD, down 13% in volume and 9% in value compared to 2023. Before the 2025 crop, Thailand once set a goal of exporting 950,000 tons, even surpassing 1 million tons of durian to China.
