The Thai Durian industry is seeing serious competition in the Chinese market from neighboring countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, according to the Thai Durian Institute.
A 2020 trade report, by the World Trade Organization Study Centre at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce,shows Thailand was the largest Durian exporter in 2020, shipping 620,900 tons, or an approximately 80% market share. That share is, however, expected to drop to around 57% by2025, with Malaysia gaining the most.
Thailand has been increasing Durian production over the past 10 years, especially in the northeastern region, which has seen a five-fold production increase since 2011.
The Thai Durian Institute is proposing that the government fund more research, to develop Thai Durian quality, and find ways to control nominee businesses, which could have a significant long term impacts on Thai farmers. The institute claims that Chanthaburi province has seen a 30% increase in Chinese entrepreneurs entering the Thai Durian industry.
