Customs statistics show that the continuous downward trend of China's mangosteen imports since 2020 has reversed in the first half of this year, with imports reaching 153,000 tons and 3.08 billion yuan, a sharp increase of 102.5% and 81.7% respectively over the same period last year. Of these imports, 94% came from Thailand, 5.9% from Indonesia, and less than 0.1% from Myanmar.
Mangosteen requires certain climatic and environmental conditions when growing, flowering and fruiting. The time required for the cultivation is about 8 years, and the return on an investment period is extended. That is why there has been a lack of large-scale commercial planting in China. Although the cultivation of mangosteen in Hainan and other places has gradually increased in recent years, the mangosteen sold in the domestic market is mainly imported.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the import volume has gradually declined. Although down slightly in 2020, the import volume rebounded to levels close to 2019 in 2021. The reason for this was the insufficient production of Thai mangosteen in 2021, and the demand for Thai mangosteen with its excellent taste was high among Chinese consumers. Thailand took advantage of this opportunity to raise the price of its exports, resulting in a decrease in imported volume but an increase in the value.
According to the fresh fruit access list released by customs, there are currently 5 countries that have obtained the qualification to export mangosteen to China, including Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Among them, Thailand is China's largest source of mangosteen imports.
According to the Thai Ministry of Agriculture, total mangosteen production in Thailand is expected to increase by 38% year-on-year in 2022. Although Thailand has been affected by bad weather many times this year and the production of various fruits has been reduced, mangosteen is an exception. The production did not reduce but slightly increased. In May 2022, due to the strengthening of prevention and control measures at ports in southwest China, there was serious congestion of Mangosteen at the ports in Thailand, resulting in fruit decay and quality degradation. Many exporters had to deal with them locally at China's borders, leading to lower mangosteen prices.
Source: Food World