Cambodia's Durian Exports to China Surge as Market Shifts from Thailand

In a remarkable shift, Cambodia exported 5,738 tonnes of fresh durian to China during the first seven months of 2026. This surge is attributed to Chinese buyers increasingly opting for Cambodian durians over those from Thailand, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

According to ministry spokesperson Khim Finan, the growth in exports is a significant achievement, facilitated by government initiatives to open new markets and establish an overland transit route through Laos. On July 25, Finan oversaw the dispatch of the first overland shipment of fresh durian by Pechenda Fruit Production, which included three containers carrying over 50 tonnes of the fruit destined for China.

Finan noted that the Chinese company purchasing this shipment had previously sourced its durian from Thailand but switched to Cambodia due to the higher quality, competitive pricing, and improved transport efficiency. He added that the Chinese buyer plans to import another 200 tonnes of fresh durian over the next one to two weeks.

“The Chinese company that purchased this shipment previously sourced its durian from Thailand. However, because Cambodia now offers higher-quality durian, more competitive prices and a more efficient transport route, it has shifted its sourcing and is now importing fresh durian directly from us.”Khim Finan, spokesperson, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

The newly established overland transit route, which became operational following bilateral negotiations with Laos, has reduced transport times from 15–20 days to approximately five days, streamlining logistical procedures significantly. Since the official launch of this agricultural transit corridor, Cambodian exporters have been utilizing it regularly.

Finan expressed optimism about the future of Cambodia's durian export industry, stating that all stakeholders should maintain honesty, comply with export standards and continue safeguarding product quality. He emphasized that the benefits of this growth are being felt across the entire durian value chain, from farmers to logistics providers.

“We hope all stakeholders will maintain honesty, comply with export standards and continue safeguarding product quality to strengthen Cambodia’s durian export industry in the future.”Khim Finan, spokesperson, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

In April 2025, Cambodia and China signed protocols governing fresh durian exports during a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Following this, China’s General Administration of Customs approved Cambodian durian imports, subject to strict quality and phytosanitary standards.

As of 2025, Cambodia had 16,193 hectares of durian plantations, with the largest areas located in Kampong Cham, Kampot, and Pursat provinces. These plantations are capable of producing around 135,546 tonnes of durian annually, supported by 112 Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-certified orchards and 20 packing houses.

In total, Cambodia exported durian to five international markets in 2025, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and France. The recent surge in exports positions Cambodian durian as a competitive player in the global market, particularly as it is now among 17 Cambodian agricultural products approved for export to China.