Thailand overtakes China as leading supplier to Vietnam

Thailand has overtaken China as the leading exporter of fruit and vegetables to Vietnam, according to Thanh Nien News.

Imports of durian, mangosteen and tamarind among other fruits from Thailand reached US$135m in the first nine months of 2014, accounting for 34.2 per cent of Vietnam’s market share of imported fruits. Comparatively, imports from China were valued at US$100m, some 23.1 per cent of the market share.

Political reasons have been cited for the downturn in imports from China, with Vietnamese consumers boycotting Chinese goods following the deployment of a Chinese oilrig in disputed territories of the South China Sea in May, which lead to China restricting imports of Vietnamese fruit.

The local newsite also cites food safety concerns for the increasing demand for Thai fruit and vegetables.