Durian prices plummeted as Thailand and Vietnam compete for a lion's share of the Chinese market - the world's largest for durians.

Prices of the notoriously odorous fruit, considered a luxury item in China, continued to slide in April amid a fierce battle for export contracts between the two Southeast Asian countries.

China's General Administration of Customs reported that Thai durians sold for 5.8 USD per kilogramme, while Vietnamese durians sold for 4.22 USD per kilogramme in April.

These prices were lower compared to March, which saw Thai durians at 6.49 USD per kilogramme, and Vietnamese durians at 5.23 USD per kilogramme.

Thailand is the main durian exporter to China, with a near-monopoly on market share in 2021.

However, it has been losing ground as China began buying from other durian suppliers, including Vietnam.

In 2023, Thailand's slice of the pie dropped dramatically to 67.98 per cent, while Vietnam's soared to 31.8 per cent.

Experts said the recent heat wave in Thailand, which impacted durian production and caused the fruits to shrink, allowed Vietnam to gain an edge over its competitor.

Vietnam is also able to sell durians cheaper due to lower shipping costs by delivering the fruits through a single land border.

Meanwhile, economists further attributed the price decline to 'weak consumer confidence' as buyers tighten their purses. Prices of other agricultural products have also dropped.