Popularity of Cambodian fruit in China highlights growing ties

Cambodian fruits have been gaining in popularity with Chinese consumers in recent years for their excellent taste and nutritional value. Currently, four types of Cambodian fruits – banana, mango, longan and coconut – have been approved for the Chinese market, providing a glimpse into the deepening trade ties between the two countries.

Cambodian bananas, known for their sweet taste and high quality, became the first Cambodian fruit to be directly exported to China in 2019 under the Belt and Road Initiative, marking a milestone in bilateral agricultural trade.

In May 2021, the first batch of fresh Cambodian mangoes was shipped to China. With their thin skin, thick flesh, and sweet, juicy flavor, Cambodian mangoes have provided Chinese consumers with a new and appealing choice.

Longans from Cambodia entered the Chinese market a year later. Highly valued for their large size, thick flesh, and aromatic sweetness, these fruits gained strong market traction. Statistics show that 12,400 tons of Palin longans were exported from the Southeast Asian country to China in the first 11 months of 2024.

Fresh coconuts became the fourth Cambodian fruit to receive approval for export to China in 2023, further strengthening agricultural trade and highlighting the expanding cooperation between the two countries.