Stink spins delicious profits as durian imports rise

The tropical fruit durian, known as the "King of Fruits" and also for its infamous stink, green, large thorns or spikes and high-end price tag, is ubiquitous in China as access to the vast Chinese market has become easier for exporters in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines, imported fruit market insiders said.

In terms of durian consumption globally, China lags only Indonesia and Malaysia now as domestic production of tropical fruits is limited, necessitating imports.

With the gradual implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership pact, the largest global free trade agreement, and the deepening of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, Thai durian exports to China are expected to surge, said Wanlada Ratanapanich, consul of commercial section at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.