Durian imports through Qinzhou Port in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have risen 50 per cent this year, reflecting the growing demand for the fruit among Chinese consumers, according to Guangxi Huanyu International Logistics Co. The company, which specializes in fruit imports from ASEAN countries, reported stronger demand for durians from Thailand and other regional suppliers.
A leading Thai exporter shipped more than US$2.8 million worth of Monthong durians to China through Qinzhou Port this year, with most deliveries destined for the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions. The company tracks each stage of logistics to maintain freshness and stated that "as long as the route works, Qinzhou Port is our first choice."
Qinzhou Port plays a key role as a gateway for Guangxi's trade with ASEAN and as part of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Ten years ago, Huanyu Logistics, originally focused on seafood exports, established a team at the port to expand its international business. At that time, annual cargo volumes were below 100 million tons.
In 2017, Qinzhou Port was designated as an official entry point for fruit imports, with plans for an express route. Huanyu Logistics was invited to contribute its expertise to expand fruit import services from ASEAN countries. Ning Yan, head of the company, said the decision to move from seafood exports to fruit imports was supported by China's growing consumer market.
In 2024, Guangxi imported 2.49 million tons of fruit worth US$4.8 billion from ASEAN countries, accounting for more than one-third of China's total fruit imports from the region. After several years of expansion, Qinzhou Port has become one of the main maritime entry points for ASEAN fruit into China.
Also in 2024, Qinzhou Port added 239 new import and export product categories. Cargo throughput surpassed 200 million tons, while sea-rail intermodal trains made more than 10,000 trips along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. The total import and export value of goods handled by provinces and cities along the corridor through Qinzhou Port rose 31.3 per cent compared to the previous year.
Source: People's Daily Online