Since April, the supply of imported durians has surged into peak season. Over the past few days, Jiaxing Haiguangxing Market, the leading durian trading center in East China, has witnessed a staggering influx of fresh durians, with over 200 containers arriving daily. Predominantly, these include Thai Monthong and Vietnamese Kanyao varieties, alongside a smaller quantity of Thai Puang Manee, Chanee, and Vietnamese Monthong. As eastern Thailand's Monthong floods the market, durian prices continue their downward spiral while sales soar, marking the commencement of this year's peak durian season.
The surge in durian quantity has led to a chaotic market scenario across various domestic wholesale markets. While high-quality durians find buyers without much trouble, stale and inferior-quality ones are subject to confusing pricing and haggling, often selling for a hundred or two hundred yuan less per box than usual. Consequently, durian prices have plummeted for three consecutive periods, with Thai Monthong prices now nearly ¥600 cheaper per box of six compared to the previous month, resulting in substantial losses for cargo owners.
Recent volume and price indicators from Jiaxing Haiguangxing Market reveal that Vietnamese durian volume has surpassed Thai durian, dominating the market. The price of Thai Monthong has plummeted by nearly ¥300 per large box over the past three days.
At present, the retail price of Thai Monthong durian hovers around ¥50-60/kg (branded products commanding a premium), while Vietnamese Kanyao is priced approximately at ¥30-40/kg.
As the supply of Thai Monthong and Vietnamese Kanyao continues to increase, Vietnamese Monthong is gradually disappearing from the market. Previously, Vietnamese Kanyao durian prices have dropped from over ¥400 to just over ¥300 in the past half-month, with even B-class durians now priced at around ¥200. Although their quality may not match up, their price advantage has indirectly contributed to the plummeting market for Thai Monthong durians.
While durian prices have temporarily stabilized near May Day, it's anticipated that this stability won't last long. Post-May Day, Thai Monthong prices are expected to hit their lowest point in a year. By May, Thailand Monthong will dominate the durian market, with domestic Thai durians entering their peak sales season. The climatic conditions in eastern Thailand, conducive to durian cultivation, ensure better taste and quality compared to southern durians.
Source: FreshSaga