Cambodia exported 17,497 tonnes of fresh longan in 2023, marking a 454.59% increase, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): The Cambodian longan market has demonstrated remarkable growth. In 2023, the export of fresh longan to the international market reached more than 17,000 tonnes, representing a surge of nearly 500% compared to 2022.
Drawing from data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Kingdom exported 17,497 tonnes of fresh longan in 2023, marking a 454.59% increase.
The data did not include the quantity of dried longan exported.
Longan yields and prices improve in 2023
Phot Saphanborey, head of longan processing and export at Pechenda Fruit Production PFP Co Ltd, a company that buys and packs the commodity for both the local and export markets, stated in an interview with The Post on January 17 that favourable climatic factors, expanded cultivated land and improved techniques have contributed to the enhanced yield, quality and value of the fruit in 2023 compared to 2022.
He noted that the majority of Cambodian fresh longan is exported to China, Thailand and Vietnam, while dried longan is exported to China, Thailand and some countries in the Middle East.
Saphanborey explained that the strong collaboration between plantation owners, processing plants and packaging companies bolstered the Cambodian longan export market in 2023, leading to increased export volumes and prices.
“Exports of longan to international markets [improved] in 2023. For my company, we export both fresh and dried longan, with fresh longan shipped to China, Thailand and Vietnam, and dried longan to China, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and some European countries. Currently, we are also negotiating on the issue of phytosanitary and hygienic barriers to open export gateways to more countries,” he said.
“The export of fresh and dried longan during 2023 exceeded that of 2022 by four or five times. China is the largest market for longan from Cambodia,” he added, corroborating the ministry’s data.
Despite the positive trajectory in production and increased cultivation, Saphanborey pointed out several challenges such as weather factors, rising transportation costs, labour shortages during harvest and packing periods, and legal requirements for exports to certain countries.
“The yield of longan to be harvested in 2024 may be higher than last year as farmers have expanded their cultivation in recent years, and prices may be higher. However, this is just a forecast, because everything depends on whether there will be sufficient rainfall,” he explained.
Saphanborey also noted that while the timing for harvesting can be planned, fresh longan are generally harvested three times a year: in the rainy season, dry season and the end of the dry season.
In 2023, the average price for fresh longan ranged from 3,300 to 4,500 riel ($0.80 to $1.10) per kilogramme, while dried ones sold directly to overseas buyers were priced at more than $9.
“In order to contribute to improving the quality and boosting the export of longan products to more international markets, our company also organises training courses on cultivation techniques, using fertiliser and pesticides, and care for the longan trees,” he added.
Suos Siyat, president of the Pailin Longan Agricultural Production Cooperative (PLAPC), said that output is on a positive trajectory, but it also hinges on weather and market factors.
He described production in 2023 as very good in terms of cultivation, quality and price.
Siyat said that harvesting typically commences from September each year until May of the following year.
He highlighted that China is a major market and provides many positive outcomes for longan farmers, with exports also going to neighbouring countries.
“For 2024, I do not dare to forecast, because according to the weather information, the yield of longan may face problems due to insufficient rainfall. Water shortage will not only reduce yields and quality but will also increase farmers’ costs,” he said.
Climate factors may limit output in 2024
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology announced on January 12 that, after monitoring and forecasting weather conditions, temperatures from now until May will experience sharp fluctuations.
It noted that they have risen on average for many years and are expected to get even warmer this year than in 2023, with average maximum temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius and peaking around 41C in April and early May.
The ministry added that unexpected showers, unusual during the dry season, may occur due to a weak southwest monsoon, resulting in a delayed onset of the rainy season compared to 2023.
In light of the situation, the ministry requested that relevant ministries and state institutions, local authorities and the public collaborate to ensure the efficient use of water.
It noted that this is particularly important in remote rural areas that are far from water sources.
China is Cambodia’s largest longan market
The Kingdom’s fresh longan market has begun to see improvements since the end of October 2022, following China’s official decision to allow imports of the product from Cambodia.
Fresh longan is the third Cambodian fruit to gain access to the Chinese market, following mangoes and bananas.
During the inauguration ceremony for the official export of Cambodian fresh longan to China in October 2022, agriculture minister Dith Tina stated: “Achieving the official right to export fresh longan to China is a significant step forward for Cambodian agricultural products”.
According to statistics from the general department of agriculture, Cambodia had over 18,000ha of land for longan cultivation in 2021 which can yield more than 130,000 tonnes per year. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
