Bangkok: The Minister of Commerce has held discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to request a relaxation of the BY2 inspection measures impacting Thai durian exports. The talks focused on increasing the speed and resources for inspections to facilitate smoother exports to the Chinese market.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, the Minister of Commerce, met with Mr. Wu Zhiwu, the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, and Ms. Zhang Xiaoxiao, Deputy Chief of Mission for Economic and Trade Affairs at the Chinese Embassy. The discussions, which took place on April 10, 2025, highlighted the obstacles in exporting Thai durian to China, specifically the strict residue testing procedures that have disrupted the distribution process during the fruit season.
The Thai government has requested that China consider easing the residue testing measures, particularly the 100% random testing of BY2. They have also sought an increase in the speed of inspections at border checkpoints, as well as enhancements in tools, equipment, and personnel to handle the export volume during the fruit season. Information exchange on goods vehicle inspections at border checkpoints was also proposed to improve the efficiency of goods transport.
The Chinese Ambassador has assured that the proposal will be coordinated with relevant Chinese agencies to ensure smooth exports of Thai durian to China. He also emphasized the importance of Thailand maintaining strict prevention and testing measures to avoid contaminant detection in China. The Ministry of Commerce will work with the Department of Agriculture to address these issues promptly.
In 2024, Thailand exported durian worth approximately 3.7 billion US dollars to China, equating to about 833,000 tons and accounting for 97.4 percent of Thailand's total durian exports. The Department of International Trade Promotion and the Office of International Trade Promotion in China reported that Nanning Customs has opened a special channel for importing ASEAN agricultural products, prioritizing fruit products. Measures such as extended working hours, increased staff, and an appointment system for clearing ports have been implemented to reduce congestion.
Nanning Customs plans to expand traffic lanes for transportation and is constructing a BY2 testing laboratory expected to be completed by May 2025. Meanwhile, Kunming Customs has extended overtime working hours, added more staff, and increased BY2 testing labs, enabling the inspection of 400 samples daily. There are also plans to expand traffic lanes, anticipated to be ready by early 2026.
To promote Thai durian in the Chinese market, efforts will focus on marketing the fruit's unique taste and quality, expanding online markets, engaging new generations through digital platforms, and promoting sales through international trade fairs. Special activities such as durian menus in Thai SELECT restaurants, durian tours, and buffets in department stores and shopping centers in China are also planned to boost consumption.
