Introduction – Thailand’s Durian Market: A Quantitative Overview
Thailand stands proud as the world’s top durian exporter. In fact, it’s been the king of the durian trade for years, especially when it comes to supplying China’s insatiable appetite for the fruit. In 2023 alone, Thailand exported around 929,000 tonnes of fresh durians to China—making up over 65% of the country’s total durian imports. That’s no small feat.
But here’s the twist: with Vietnam stepping up its game, Thailand is facing new challenges. Vietnam’s durian exports to China skyrocketed from just 20,000 tonnes in 2022 to 330,000 tonnes in 2024. As a result, Thailand’s share of the Chinese market dropped to 57.4% in 2024.
So, what does this mean for businesses looking to source durians from Thailand? It means you need to be smarter, more data-driven, and more strategic than ever before. It’s not just about finding any supplier—it’s about finding the right one.
Platforms like Freshdi are making that easier by providing real-time RFQ trends, verified suppliers, and export data insights to help you make informed decisions. Let’s dive deeper.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Thailand’s durian industry has grown remarkably over the past decade. By 2023, production hit 1.4 million tonnes, marking a 180% increase in just ten years. However, 2024 saw some setbacks, with durian exports to China dropping by 13% to 859,183 tonnes. The export value also slid from $4.12 billion to $3.75 billion.
Why the dip? Several reasons:
- Stricter Chinese inspections on Thai durians due to chemical residue concerns.
- Rising competition from Vietnam, which benefits from lower logistics costs and year-round supply.
- Changing consumer preferences and price sensitivity.
Despite these challenges, Thailand still dominates the durian export scene. And with tools like Freshdi, you can analyze real-time RFQ activity and demand trends to find suppliers who are still performing strongly, even during market downturns.
Top 7 Verified Durian Suppliers in Thailand – Proven Export Performers
If you’re serious about sourcing Thai durian, you need partners with a proven track record. These aren’t just names—they’re companies vetted for their export volume, certifications, global reach, and buyer ratings on Freshdi.
Here are the Top 7 Durian Suppliers in Thailand in Week 22 of 2025:
-
Khumsub Asia Goods Trading Co., Ltd.
Known for consistent quality and timely deliveries, Khumsub is a top-tier exporter with happy clients worldwide. -
Thai Exportifier
This supplier specializes in bulk shipments and has a strong foothold in China and Southeast Asia. -
Thai Foods Product International Co., Ltd
With an emphasis on certified organic and premium-grade durians, they cater to high-end markets. -
Pro Overseas Co., Ltd.
Praised for their transparency and export documentation compliance, Pro Overseas is a trusted name. -
NFF CO.,LTD.
A reliable supplier with a focus on sustainability and traceability from farm to export. -
BIZPIRA LUCRATIVE COMPANY LIMITED
Dynamic and fast-growing, BIZPIRA has built a strong reputation among international buyers on Freshdi. -
J.C.P IMPORT AND EXPORT CO., LTD
Specializing in large-scale contracts and custom packaging, J.C.P is known for flexibility and scale.
Dynamic Ranking Note:
It’s worth noting that rankings like these can change weekly based on export activity, buyer reviews, and RFQ volumes. Platforms such as Freshdi regularly update their “Suppliers of the Month” or “Quarter” based on real-time data, so keeping an eye on those updates is a smart move.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Export Trends and Market Concentration
In 2024, Thailand’s total fruit exports were valued at $6.51 billion, with durians alone contributing $3.76 billion—that’s over 57% of total fruit exports. And guess what? 97.4% of those durians went to China.
That kind of market concentration can be risky. It means any policy change or consumer trend in China could shake up Thailand’s durian industry.
Vietnam’s Growing Share
Vietnam’s durian exports to China hit $2.94 billion in 2024, up 37.6% from the previous year. Given Vietnam’s logistical advantage and increasing production capacity, Thai exporters are feeling the heat.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations: What You Need to Know
Durian prices don’t stay put—they fluctuate based on season, weather, and supply. For instance, a heatwave in April-May 2024 cut Thai harvests short, leading to higher prices.
But Vietnam, with its year-round production, filled the gap. As a result, Chinese durian prices fell, even as Thai prices rose.
What’s the takeaway? Timing is everything. Buyers should track seasonal trends and RFQ volumes on Freshdi to lock in the best deals when supply peaks and prices dip.
Regulatory Challenges & Quality Concerns
Chinese customs have turned up the heat on Thai durians. Several shipments were rejected due to the presence of Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) dye and chemical residue concerns.
This has dented buyer confidence, especially in premium markets. Suppliers with strong quality control systems and certifications are now more valuable than ever.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Thailand’s durian industry has the numbers and the legacy. With over a million tonnes produced annually and billions in exports, it’s still a global leader.
But the game is evolving. With Vietnam on the rise and markets getting stricter, the key to success lies in data-driven sourcing and supplier transparency.
Here’s a quick strategy for smart buyers:
- Use Freshdi to assess real-time RFQs, supplier performance, and trade statistics.
- Check certifications and buyer reviews before locking in contracts.
- Monitor seasonal trends to optimize your purchasing cycles.
- Diversify your suppliers to reduce risk and improve flexibility.
Platforms like Freshdi are not just networking tools—they’re full-fledged intelligence platforms that put the power of data in your hands. From verifying suppliers to tracking demand shifts, they help you buy better, smarter, and faster.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand remains the largest durian exporter globally, despite competition from Vietnam.
- Export volumes and values declined in 2024 due to stricter regulations and weather disruptions.
- Verified suppliers like those found on Freshdi offer quality assurance and export reliability.
- Seasonal and regional price trends must be factored into sourcing strategies.
- Platforms like Freshdi empower buyers through data, RFQ tracking, and supplier insights.
Checklist for Durian Buyers in 2025
✅ Identify verified, high-performing suppliers on Freshdi
✅ Monitor RFQ trends to understand current market demand
✅ Cross-check certifications and quality standards
✅ Time your purchases to align with seasonal harvests
✅ Diversify sources to mitigate geopolitical and regulatory risks
Future Outlook
Looking ahead to the second half of 2025 and beyond, Thailand’s durian industry is expected to:
- Focus more on quality control and certifications to regain buyer confidence.
- Increase market diversification, targeting India, the Middle East, and beyond.
- Invest in R&D for new durian varieties with longer shelf life and better taste profiles.
- Utilize platforms like Freshdi for real-time feedback loops between suppliers and buyers.
By staying informed and adaptable, businesses can navigate the shifting tides of the durian export market with confidence and clarity.
FAQs
1. Why is Thailand still considered the top durian exporter despite Vietnam’s rapid growth?
Thailand has a mature supply chain, larger production volumes, and decades of export experience. While Vietnam is growing fast, Thailand still leads in total export volume and market penetration.
2. How can I verify if a Thai durian supplier is trustworthy?
Use platforms like Freshdi that offer verified supplier profiles, export records, certifications, and buyer reviews.
3. What’s the best time of year to purchase Thai durians at lower prices?
The peak harvest season (May to July) usually sees higher supply and more competitive pricing, though this can vary based on climate conditions.
4. What are the main durian varieties exported from Thailand?
Popular varieties include Monthong, Chanee, and Kanyao, with Monthong being the most widely exported due to its firm texture and long shelf life.
5. How does Freshdi help buyers beyond just listing suppliers?
Freshdi provides real-time RFQ data, supplier performance metrics, trade insights, and dynamic rankings that help buyers make smarter sourcing decisions.
