Kunming: The Lancang-Mekong river route has significantly reduced transportation costs by 20%, facilitating the rapid entry of Thai fruits into the Chinese market in just 26 hours.
According to Thai News Agency, Kunming Customs in Yunnan Province, southwestern China, reported that from January to August 2026, the volume of imports and exports via the Lancang-Mekong River shipping route reached 234,300 tons, with a total value of 4.36 billion yuan (approximately 21 million baht). This represents a 58.9% increase in volume and a 130.8% increase in value compared to the same period last year. Fruit imports alone accounted for 42,700 tons, valued at 721 million yuan (approximately 3.53 million baht), marking a 12.2-fold increase in volume and a 7.9-fold increase in value compared to the previous year.
Guanlei Port has emerged as a key hub for receiving imported fruits from South and Southeast Asia. Since its approval to operate by the General Administration of Customs of China in July 2024, the port has seen a continuous increase in the volume of tropical fruits from the ASEAN region, establishing them as one of the main imported goods.
A significant advantage of this route is the efficient transportation of Thai fruits such as durian and mangosteen from Chiang Saen Port to Guan Lei Port in just 26 hours. This direct water transport eliminates transshipment procedures, saving approximately three days compared to road transport and reducing logistics costs by about 20%.
The benefits of the Lancang-Mekong River shipping route, alongside improvements in the customs clearance system, are helping promote fresh fruit from Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries into key Chinese markets such as Chongqing, Xi'an, and Guangzhou.
The expansion of Guanlei Port not only enhances trade opportunities for countries in the region but also highlights the potential of the Lancang-Mekong "Golden Waterway." This development is becoming an important gateway for connecting Thai fruits to the Chinese market more quickly and efficiently.