Thailand moves to address longan export crisis

Thailand’s longan industry is under heavy pressure as farmers face export setbacks and falling demand. Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat visited Chanthaburi, a province in eastern Thailand, last weekend to meet with local officials and businesses, acknowledging the difficulties growers are experiencing.

Key concerns raised included labour shortages in orchards, weakened border trade with Cambodia due to political tensions, and China’s rejection of several shipments after detecting excessive sulfur dioxide residues. These issues have deepened worries among farmers, some of whom describe the situation as a crisis.

Jatuporn said the ministry is coordinating with stakeholders to support growers and will soon meet with the Chinese ambassador to push for a practical solution. He admitted the matter is complicated by China’s strict food safety rules but stressed that negotiations must be accelerated to help farmers sell their crops.

source: bangkokpost.com

photo: thethaiger.com