Durian shipments from South-East Asia hit peak season as China-Laos Railway drives tropical fruit boom
April 16, 2026 | The Star |
The China-Laos Railway is playing a key role in transporting Southeast Asian tropical fruits, especially durians, to China quickly and efficiently. During peak harvest season, durians from countries like Thailand, Laos, and Malaysia are shipped via the Lancang-Mekong Express, reaching Kunming in about 26 hours and other major Chinese cities within 48 hours.
To meet rising demand, freight train frequency has increased, and cold-chain logistics have been strengthened with thousands of refrigerated containers and fast customs clearance. A “green channel” system ensures rapid unloading and distribution, minimizing spoilage.
Thailand alone is exporting around 1,500 containers of durians daily, with volumes expected to peak soon. Overall, the railway is expected to transport over 200,000 tonnes of tropical fruits in 2026, highlighting its importance in regional agricultural trade.
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April 16, 2026 | The Star | The China-Laos Railway is playing a key role in transporting Southeast Asian tropical fruits, especially durians, to China quickly and efficiently. During peak harvest seas
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