There are public calls to save durian exporters who, because of delays caused by China's new thorough screening for a carcinogenic chemical, are making distress sales at home.

China’s middle class consumers have been tightening their purse strings, but their appetite for durian – pungent, spiky fruit mostly imported from Southeast Asia – continues to grow.

Thai durian is highly popular with Chinese consumers, who are willing to pay a premium for high-quality fruit. Thai durian exports in 2023 were worth 90 billion baht, an 82% increase from the year ...