Cambodian Pailin longan exports to China saw explosive growth in 2023

According to the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, last year’s exports of fresh Pailin longans to China reached 17,000 metric tons, representing a 454% increase compared with 2022. This surge in exports occurred despite growers experiencing challenges with the weather as well as limited water in some areas, which led to an unexceptional output and some quality issues. Suos Siyat, president of the Pailin Longan Agricultural Production Cooperative, noted that the drop in fruit quality had caused market prices to fall. He added that under normal conditions, Pailin longan prices vary depending on the harvest period, which influences the quality of the fruit. Farmers earn an average of 3,300–3,500 Cambodian riel ($0.81–0.86) per kilogram for fruit harvested from August to December, while from January to March, the price typically rises to 4,000 riel ($0.98) per kilogram. Exporters of Pailin longans reported smooth shipments to China. They did, however, observe ...