China has been the largest importer of longan from Thailand for many years now. The country imports around 80% of the annual Thai longan export volume. But recently the longan from Thailand were found to carry scale insects, and so China prohibited the import of Thai longan. The impact on the Thai longan industry is undoubtedly severe, especially during this peak period of the longan production season.
Data shows that the economic value of the longan industry in Thailand is higher than that of the pineapple, durian, and mango industries. This fruit represents the most economic efficiency. Most longan are produced in Chanthaburi in east Thailand, as well as Mueang Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in north Thailand, but more so in the east than the north. The geographical conditions in north Thailand and east Thailand are slightly different, and this has an impact on the fruit. The longan from north Thailand are white, with a thin fruit peel, and a crisp, sweet flavor. The longan from east Thailand are relatively big with more fruit flesh and a thicker fruit peel.
The longan season in east Thailand begins in September and continues until May in the subsequent year. North Thailand produces longan all year round, but the peak period falls in July and August. The longan seasons in east and north Thailand perfectly complement each other. The year round supply of Thai longan guarantees a steady supply for the export market.
"The Chinese prohibition of Thai longan import does stimulate the Chinese longan industry, but the impact is extremely limited. This is on the one hand because the domestic production volume was huge this year and market supply already exceeds demand, and so the price has been falling since the beginning of the production season. And on the other hand, Chinese longan production areas are already approaching the end of their production season. Take Guangdong as an example, one of the largest longan production areas in China. Guangdong has already sold more than 80% of the longan harvest." This is according to Mr. Dai Haijun of Shenzhen City Pengkuda Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd.
Longan are known in China as 'longyan' [dragon eyes], or 'guiyuan' [round fruit from Guizhou]. This is one of the most important fruits in south China. There are large plantations in Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi. However, the market conditions have deteriorated in the last few years. As Mr. Dai explained, "there are two reasons for this development. First, the price of longan continuously increased a few years ago, and this attracted the attention of a lot of farmers. They all began producing longan and now supply exceeds demand. Second, the level of plantation technology is constantly improving, so that farmers are guaranteed of large, stable production volumes of high-quality longan. That is another reason why the annual production volume continues to grow."
For more information:
Mr. Dai Haijun
Shenzhen City Pengkuda Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 755 2522 7313
E-mail: [email protected]
