China’s durian prices drop as Vietnam steps in to make up for gaps in Thai supply

Durian prices in China – the world’s top market for the spiky, pungent fruit typically regarded as a luxury item – have fallen this month as Vietnam gains on Thailand in a heated export rivalry and consumers mind their budgets.

The online shopping platform Pupu placed the price of a 6kg (13lbs) durian at 179 yuan (US$25) to 209 yuan about a week ago – a drop from a recent price of 279 yuan – and some vendors have cited a low of 10 yuan for half a kilogram.