Economics
National News Bureau Of Thailand
BANGKOK (NNT) – China is encouraging Thailand to adopt World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines, to establish confidence in exported durians and maintain a market worth 50 billion baht.
Mr Pichet Wiriyaphaha, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, has consulted relevant agencies and representatives of China to establish confidence in durian exports to China during the COVID-19 outbreak. China is a big market for Thailand, and preparation of exports will take place from February to May 2021. The concerns of Mr Phanusak Saiphanich, President of the Thai Durian Association, will be discussed in order to help maintain the Thai durian export market. Each year, durian exports to China are worth more than 50 billion baht. More than 140,000 farming households and other people in the durian business depend on the success of the export system.
The Department of Agriculture and National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS) met with representatives of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) which advised that the Chinese government has enhanced measures to control the COVID-19 virus contamination in goods imported from abroad. There will be a strict random inspection of products and sterilization measures must be taken for food transported under temperature controls (cold chain) from Customs house to transport, distribution and selling. To do so, the Chinese government pays close attention to imported products from all countries. China praised the Thai fruit export management system as being very effective and maintaining high level safety.
Throughout the COVID-19 epidemic period, COVID-19 contamination has never been detected in Thai fruit packaging or products. Thailand emphasized that the Thai government and Thai private sector have joined forces to take preventive and control measures to ensure the safety of Thai products along with good quality.
Mr Suthee Thongyaem, Governor of Chanthaburi, disclosed today that eastern and Chanthaburi fruit are about to be harvested and sent overseas for sale. To build confidence among partner countries during the COVID-19 outbreak, the province has put in place measures as follows: agricultural products to be exported must meet the GAP standard and be free from COVID-19; undergo screening before entering the fruit farm each time; all workers at fruit buying stalls must undergo screening and body temperature measurements, have one way to enter and exit and sterilize every piece of packaging that is to be sent abroad.
Moreover, all vehicles that carry fruit from Chanthaburi to other provinces and into other countries must be sterilized at the disinfection point operated by the Chanthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization.
Business
EU’s Solar Initiatives in Southeast Asia Impacted by US-China Trade Tensions
中国拥有的太阳能公司在东南亚，尤其是泰国、越南、马来西亚和柬埔寨，正面临潜在的挑战和机遇。
Challenges for Chinese Solar Companies in Southeast Asia
Chinese-owned solar companies in Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, are encountering significant challenges. These nations are becoming crucial markets for solar energy; however, increased competition and regulatory hurdles are complicating their operations.
Regulatory Hurdles
Many Southeast Asian governments are implementing stricter regulations for foreign investments in renewable energy sectors. This development may hinder Chinese companies’ ability to navigate local laws and establish a strong foothold in these growing markets.
Market Competition
Beyond regulatory challenges, the competition among local and international solar companies is intensifying. To succeed, Chinese firms must innovate and adapt their strategies to meet regional demands while maintaining cost-effectiveness and securing partnerships with local entities.
Source : EU’s solar plans in SE Asia caught in US-China trade war
Business
Malaysia Launches ‘Luxury’ Durian Exports to China as Indonesia Eyes Market Opportunities
Malaysia has begun exporting fresh durian to China, targeting high-end consumers with 40 tonnes shipped in phases. China, the largest durian buyer, may eventually import from Indonesia pending compliance with standards.
Malaysia’s Fresh Durian Shipment to China
Malaysia has successfully sent its first shipment of fresh durians to China, aiming to capture the interest of a market largely supplied by Thailand and Vietnam. This shipment includes 40 tonnes released in three phases, as announced by Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. China represents the world’s largest durian importer, having purchased 1.4 million tonnes last year, with a significant portion sourced from Thailand.
Emphasis on Quality
Malaysian exporters, having met China’s phytosanitary requirements, are focusing on the quality of their products rather than sheer volume. Lim Chin Khee from the Durian Academy states that Malaysian durians are considered luxury items, targeting high-end consumers. The first shipment of 20 tonnes has already reached the Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, fetching prices that can reach 200 yuan (approximately $28) per fruit.
Indonesia’s Durian Prospects
Indonesia is also exploring opportunities in the Chinese durian market, with discussions surrounding compliance to China’s phytosanitary standards ongoing. As reported, Indonesian officials are eager to establish a protocol that could facilitate durian exports, considering the strong demand in China. Lynn Song from ING emphasizes that should these negotiations succeed, Indonesian durians could effectively carve a niche in the burgeoning market.
Source : Malaysia starts ‘luxury’ durian exports to China as Indonesia sniffs the market
Business
Vietnam’s Exports of Fruits and Vegetables to Thailand Surge by 70%
Thailand has become Vietnam’s fourth largest fruit and vegetable market, with exports rising significantly, particularly in durians, as Thailand faces supply shortages due to droughts.
Growth in Bilateral Trade
Thailand has risen to become Vietnam’s fourth-largest market for fruits and vegetables, according to recent customs data from the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association. This shift from sixth place last year is largely attributed to increased demand, particularly for frozen durian. China continues to dominate as the top buyer, importing nearly $2.5 billion worth, a 25% increase.
Rising Imports and Export Dynamics
The United States and South Korea have also contributed to this growth, with imports from Vietnam surging by 31% and 51%, totaling $189 million and $188 million, respectively. Overall, Vietnam’s exports reached an estimated $4.6 billion, a 29% increase, as the country capitalizes on year-round durian cultivation.
Changing Trade Relationships
The trade landscape between Vietnam and Thailand has transformed significantly over the past decade. Thailand, once the leading supplier of fruits and vegetables to Vietnam, saw its imports drop to just $46.5 million in 2023. However, imports have surged 35% this year, reaching $32 million, with popular items including dates and mangosteens.
Source : Vietnam fruit, vegetable exports to Thailand rise by 70% – VnExpress International
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