Guangxi expands cold-chain rail access for Thai durian

Guangxi, a southern Chinese region bordering Vietnam, is expanding cold-chain rail access for Thai durian and other ASEAN fruit through Nanning, with regular temperature-controlled rail services now supporting faster distribution into the Chinese market.

Thai durian reaches Nanning

According to Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion, a shipment of Thai Monthong durian and Vietnamese coconuts arrived at Nanning International Railway Port on June 18. The cargo totalled 8 containers, 135 tonnes and an estimated value of 2.19 million yuan, around USD 322,000.

The fruit cleared customs procedures at Pingxiang before reaching Nanning, marking the start of regular cross-border cold-chain rail services for ASEAN fruit. Part of the shipment was distributed within Nanning, while the rest was forwarded to markets in eastern, northern and northeastern China.

Road-rail route supports freshness

The route combines road and rail transport. Fruit is packed into containers at origin, moved by road to Vietnam’s Dong Dang station, and then transported by temperature-controlled freight train into China through the Dong Dang–Youyiguan–Nanning corridor.

Customs process cuts waiting time

DITP said Nanning International Railway Port now benefits from conditional release procedures for imported fruit awaiting customs checks. The system allows selected cargo to move from the border while inspection results are pending, helping reduce waiting time and protect freshness.

Reefer capacity expands at Youyiguan

China Railway’s Nanning branch has also upgraded cold-chain capacity for fruit shipments. Large-volume cargo can move in plug-in temperature-controlled containers supported by mobile power units, while smaller batches can use sealed refrigerated containers. Power points at Youyiguan railway port have been increased from 32 to 64 to support reefer charging on arrival.

Fruit trains gain priority handling

Customs clearance for fruit can now be completed in as little as two hours, while the rail system can handle up to six fruit trains per day. After arrival in Nanning, fresh fruit receives priority unloading and onward transfer, with rail links connecting shipments to Guangdong, Shanghai, Chongqing and Yunnan.

Thai durian imports on the rise

DITP said 1,666 imported fruit containers passed through Pingxiang railway port in the first five months of 2026, up 48% year on year. Most of the volume was Thai durian, pointing to continued Chinese demand and the growing role of Guangxi as a collection and distribution hub for ASEAN fruit.

source and photo: ditp.go.th