China's zero-COVID policy bites Thai fruit growers

Can price supports and a 19-year-old rapper save the industry?

20220428 Thailand durian export

Thailand is expected to produce 1.4 million tons of durian this year, up 17% from the previous year, as strong demand encouraged farmers to expand cultivation. © Reuters

APORNRATH PHOONPHONGPHIPHAT, Nikkei staff writer

BANGKOK -- Thailand's fruit growers are the latest to be hit by China's zero-COVID policy, as their sales to the world's second-largest economy slump in response to tougher import inspections.

China has become increasingly jittery about importing the coronavirus, causing ripples around the world. And with government lockdowns of large cities continuing, the impact is expected to grow.

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