Thailand’s total fruit production this year is estimated to reach 5.4 million tons, showing an increase of 22.83% year-on-year. The production of mangosteen, the most popular variety among Chinese consumers, is 6.53% lower, while that of durian and longan has increased by 16.22% and 20.05%, respectively. The Ministry of Commerce and 36 departments in Thailand jointly signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the supervision and management of fruit exports in 2021.
The mangosteen production this year is expected to fall from 336,861 tons last year to 314,863 tons. According to traders familiar with the fruit trade between China and Thailand, those who exported mangosteens to China all made money last year. However, it remains to be seen whether this year's lower production will continue the momentum of last year.
The issue facing the Ministry of Commerce is how to ensure produce quality, especially the challenges faced when supervising fruit exports. For example, counterfeit Thai green pomelos that were actually from neighboring countries were recently found in China. There were also cases in which unripe durians were exported.
Thai authorities must be vigilant on these existing issues this year to avoid making the same mistakes. In recent years, China Customs have also strengthened their safety supervision requirements for Thai fruits. Once an issue occurs, it is likely to affect the export plan throughout the year.
Source: Thaizhonghua.com
