In recent years, the trade of fruits between China and ASEAN countries has seen a robust expansion, facilitated by advancements in intelligent technologies and logistics enhancements. Particularly, in Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Wuming District has emerged as a significant player in the cultivation of orah mandarins since 2012, now accounting for a substantial portion of China's production of this fruit.
Farmers in the region, such as Lu Ailian, have found success by leasing their land to orchard companies and participating in the harvest, citing the quality of the fruits as a result of superior fertilization and cultivation techniques. With an annual production of 1.5 million tons of orah mandarins, a significant share is exported, especially to Southeast Asia, generating over 1.4 billion U.S. dollars annually for the industry.
To optimize post-harvest processing, orchard owners are incorporating robotic systems for sorting, utilizing visual recognition to analyze and categorize each fruit by size, sugar content, and quality. This technology ensures that fruits meet the specific demands of various markets, aligning with price expectations.
Ji Sufeng of Mingming Orchard Group highlighted the evolution of Chinese fruits in the international market, emphasizing the modernization of China's agricultural supply chain and the overcoming of outdated perceptions. Enhancements in border infrastructure, such as the introduction of a new port at Guangxi's western land border with Vietnam offering 24-hour, unmanned, intelligent customs clearance, have further facilitated trade flows.
Additionally, the establishment of new ocean freight routes and the launch of fruit express lines to Southeast Asian countries have significantly reduced shipping times and costs, making exotic fruits like Musang durians from Malaysia more accessible to Chinese consumers. The adoption of innovative shipping methods, such as the use of liquid nitrogen for frozen durians, ensures prolonged freshness and a broader distribution reach
These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the fruit trade between China and ASEAN, driven by technological advancements and strategic infrastructure improvements, catering to the growing domestic demand for tropical fruits in China.
Source: Bastille Post Global