Rising Demand For Tropical Fruits Prompts China To Expand Trade Hub Capacity
From Siti Zanariah Nor Zin
PINGXIANG (China), June 23 Jun (Bernama) -- Rising demand for Southeast Asian tropical fruits in China is driving Beijing to expand the China-ASEAN fruit trading hub in Guangxi, with durian emerging as the most valuable commodity in bilateral fruit trade.
The China-ASEAN (Chongzuo) Fruit Trading Centre in Guangxi, located in Pingxiang City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, occupies a strategic position between Friendship Port and Puzhai Port, enabling faster movement of goods through two major border crossings linking China and Vietnam.
A spokesperson for the centre said the 32.5-hectare facility has an annual import and export handling capacity of 2.42 million metric tonnes and has recorded average trade growth of about 10 per cent annually over the past five years.
“Pingxiang enjoys a unique geographical advantage as a key gateway for trade between China and ASEAN.
“With the comprehensive logistics and supply chain facilities, we are well-positioned to support the continued growth of cross-border fruit trade,” he told an international media delegation during a recent visit to the centre.
He said tropical fruits such as durian, jackfruit, mango and dragon fruit from the Southeast Asia region are among the centre's main imports into the Chinese market, while citrus fruits rank as one of China's principal fruit exports to ASEAN.
Trade data displayed at the centre showed that fresh durians topped the list of imported fruits in 2025, with total trade reaching 805,600 tonnes valued at approximately 22.89 billion yuan.
This far exceeded other fruit imports, including dragon fruit, which recorded 483,500 tonnes worth 3.35 billion yuan, and mangoes, with 416,800 tonnes valued at 2.17 billion yuan.
Citrus fruits registered trade volume of 234,700 tonnes worth 1.06 billion yuan, while guavas recorded 62,700 tonnes valued at 282 million yuan.
The spokesperson said the centre is currently implementing the second phase of its expansion to increase processing and storage capacity in response to the continued growth in cross-border trade.
“With fruit trade between China and ASEAN continuing to expand, we will further enhance our logistics, storage and processing facilities to meet growing market demand,” he said.
The expansion includes dedicated facilities capable of accommodating hundreds of refrigerated fruit containers, as well as additional infrastructure to improve cargo handling efficiency and strengthen the cold-chain logistics system.
The project is also expected to create employment opportunities in logistics, cargo handling, transportation and food processing, while supporting local economic development and strengthening trade links between China and ASEAN.
A Bernama visit found that, besides customs clearance and transportation services, the centre integrates cold-chain logistics, warehousing, food processing and e-commerce platforms to improve supply chain efficiency.
Imported fruits are also processed into value-added products such as durian cakes and pastries, while online sales platforms and livestream marketing are helping producers and traders expand their access to consumers.
(The report was prepared during the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) three-month fellowship programme organised by the China Public Diplomacy Association.
-- BERNAMA
