The Thai government has proposed a new export duty on durians, a move intended to finance a national fund for research and sustainable agricultural development. According to the government’s public relations department, the draft bill seeks to professionalize the sector and ensure long-term viability for the high-value cash crop.

While the official goal is to enhance the quality of durians exported to international markets, the policy has sparked concerns regarding the economic impact on the supply chain. China remains the largest importer of Thai durians, and industry analysts suggest that the additional fees will likely be passed down to the end consumer. Reports from various Southeast Asian agricultural publications indicate that the proposed duty could reach as high as 2 percent, though official confirmation on the final rate remains pending. The proposal reflects a broader trend of Southeast Asian nations seeking to capture more value from their agricultural exports through regulatory oversight and industry-specific levies.