Summary of Key Points
The overall upstream prices of imported fruits (such as durians and cherries), including the cost at the place of production and the price upon arrival in China, have been declining for several years. However, ordinary consumers do not feel that the prices have decreased significantly; in fact, they still perceive them as expensive. This discrepancy in perception is mainly due to factors such as differences in fruit varieties, additional costs at various sales stages, different purchasing channels, regional transportation costs, and consumer preferences, which result in a mismatch between changes in upstream prices and final retail prices.
Detailed Explanation
1. Not all durians/cherries are cheaper – Variety is the key
The reason why the fruits you buy may be more expensive is that you might have chosen the “higher-end” varieties. For example, with durians:
- Common varieties like Kim Kong and Alphonso have high yields and large import volumes (for instance, Thai Kim Kong accounts for over 80% of China’s durian imports), leading to fierce competition and thus lower prices (most durians sold in China cost around ten yuan per jin).
- In contrast, premium varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn either have limited production (e.g., the annual export volume of Malaysian Musang King is small) or higher import costs (for example, frozen Musang King requires special storage, and tariffs may also be higher), so their prices remain between 30–50 yuan per jin or even more.
The same principle applies to cherries: Common Chilean varieties like Bing are cheaper due to high yields and lower transportation costs (around 20 yuan per jin), while premium Australian varieties like Sweetheart, with their better quality and longer transportation distances, can cost over 50 yuan per jin.
2. Additional costs at every stage of distribution
It takes at least three to four intermediaries for imported fruits to reach consumers:
- Importers: Responsible for customs clearance, storage, and maintaining cold chains (durians require temperature-controlled warehouses), which incurs significant expenses.
- Wholesalers: Purchase the goods from importers and then sell them to fruit stores and supermarkets across the country.
- Retailers: Supermarkets have to pay rent and salaries, while fruit stores need to make a profit, so they also add to the price.
For example, if the import price of durians is 10 yuan per jin, the importer might add 2 yuan, the wholesaler 3 yuan, and the retailer another 5 yuan, resulting in a final price of 20 yuan per jin. Even if the upstream price drops by 2–8 yuan, the increased costs at intermediate stages mean the retail price only decreases to 18 yuan – you may not notice much difference.
3. Different purchasing channels can lead to significant price differences
- Online platforms: Sites like Pinduoduo and JD Fresh directly collaborate with importers or producers, bypassing wholesalers and sometimes using direct shipping from the source, which allows them to offer lower prices (for example, Kim Kong durians may cost 15 yuan per jin online, while in physical supermarkets, they might sell for 25 yuan).
- Offline supermarkets/boutiques: Higher rent and labor costs, as well as the risk of product spoilage, mean they cannot reduce prices significantly.
- Street vendors/farmers’ markets: These may offer lower prices, but the quality of the fruits can be more variable; if you prefer higher-quality products, you are likely to opt for more expensive options.
4. Regional location affects prices
Imported fruits mainly enter China through ports in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, etc.:
- Ports (like Guangzhou) have lower transportation costs, so durians might cost around 12 yuan per jin.
- Inland cities (such as Xi'an and Chengdu), longer cold-chain transportation is required, adding an additional 3–5 yuan per jin, raising the price to 15–17 yuan.
- Remote areas (like Xinjiang and Tibet) face longer transportation times and higher spoilage rates, which can double the prices; therefore, consumers in these regions may not notice any price reductions.
5. The quality of the products you buy also affects the price
Some consumers prefer “selected” fruits that are uniform in size and free from defects, which are more expensive (by about 10 yuan per jin compared to loose fruits).
Fruit stores also charge extra for services such as cutting and arranging the fruit, and gift box packaging (e.g., for durian gifts) can add another 2–3 yuan per jin.
In summary, while it is true that upstream prices have decreased, the higher prices you pay may be due to factors like choosing premium varieties, purchasing through more expensive channels, or living in remote areas. These factors contribute to the perception that prices have not really gone down.