榴莲自由，猝不及防地来了

Core Viewpoint - The price of durian, often referred to as the "Hermès of fruits," has significantly dropped this summer, allowing consumers to enjoy durian more freely than before [3][5][9]. Price Drop - Durian prices have halved in many regions across China, with wholesale prices for Thai golden pillow durians dropping by 40% to 50% in June [9][10]. - Retail prices in cities like Beijing and Guangzhou have decreased from around 60 yuan per pound to approximately 27 yuan [9][10]. - A consumer noted that the price of a 4.2-pound golden pillow durian fell from 35 yuan per pound to 28 yuan within a month [6][9]. Factors Behind Price Changes - Multiple factors, including climate changes and increased supply, have contributed to the current price drop of durians [12][13]. - The rainy season in Thailand has delayed the harvest, affecting the quality and growth of durians [13]. - This year is considered a bumper harvest year for Southeast Asian durians, leading to an overall increase in supply and subsequent price decline [12][13]. Market Dynamics - The durian market in China has seen a shift with the entry of new suppliers from Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia, which has led to increased competition and price stabilization [17][18]. - The import volume of durians in China reached 1.56 million tons in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 9.4% [17]. - The market is experiencing a "polarization," with some growers focusing on high-end varieties while others are still improving the quality of lower-priced durians [18]. Industry Challenges - The durian industry faces significant uncertainties, including high initial investment costs and the fragility of the fruit, which complicates logistics and storage [23][24]. - Many companies in the durian trade operate on thin margins, relying on market fluctuations rather than consistent profits [24][25]. - The consumer experience varies widely, with reports of both high-quality and poor-quality durians affecting customer satisfaction [12][25].