China News Service, Kunming, May 4th (Hu Yuanhang and Qi Ying) May was the peak season for durian sales, but the continued outbreak of the new crown pneumonia caused twists and turns in Thailand's durian exports to China.
On the 4th, the reporter visited major supermarkets and fruit markets in Kunming and found that although the supply of durian is still unstable, its sales are still hot and continue to boom.
Citizens buy durians in a supermarket in Kunming, Yunnan province, on May 4.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Jiaxian
Since 2019, durian has surpassed cherries to become the most imported fruit in China.
Even the new crown pneumonia epidemic has not stopped Chinese consumers from loving durians.
From January to November 2021, China's durian imports reached 809,200 tons, and the import value was US$4.132 billion. Both the import volume and the import value reached a record high.
More than 90% of them are from Thailand.
The reporter learned that this year, due to the continuous impact of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, Thailand's durian exports to China have encountered problems such as transportation and customs clearance.
Previously, the Mohan port on the China-Laos border had suspended the import of Thai durian twice from April 12 to April 14 and from April 25 to April 29 due to the positive detection of the new crown virus on the durian container.
Citizens buy durians in a supermarket in Kunming, Yunnan province, on May 4.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Jiaxian
However, the opening and operation of the China-Laos Railway has provided new transportation options for Thai durian exports to China.
Just last week, the China-Laos Railway used a special cold-chain container train for the first time to successfully transport 27 containers of durians from eastern Thailand, totaling more than 500 tons, to Kunming.
The transit time of this batch of durians from Thailand to Kunming is controlled within 7 days, and will also be distributed to Guangzhou, Chongqing, Shanghai and other places.
The reporter visited major fruit markets and supermarkets in Kunming and found that fresh durian fruit from Thailand has occupied the "C position" in sales and continues to be popular.
Among them, varieties such as Golden Pillow, Jia Lun and Musang King are the most popular among consumers.
A staff member of Sheng Siong Supermarket in Kunming told reporters that although affected by multiple factors such as epidemic prevention and control, the supply of fresh durian fruits imported from Thailand is not stable, but consumers have shown a positive desire to buy.
In order to meet the needs of consumers, the supermarket has set up two sales cabinets to supply various varieties of Thai durians. The expensive ones are nearly 70 yuan (RMB, the same below)/kg, and the cheap ones are about 58 yuan/kg, which are quite sold.
Citizens buy durians in a supermarket in Kunming, Yunnan province, on May 4.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Li Jiaxian
Ms. Man, a citizen of Kunming, is a complete "durian control" and has come to buy durian many times this year.
She said that Thai durians have a dense taste and high sweetness, and she believes that the relevant departments will strictly control the import inspection.
She is very confident to buy Thai durians and hopes that the price will be more favorable.
Industry insiders said that with the supply of supplies being replenished, the price of Thai durians is expected to be further reduced.
(Finish)