Durian prices at Guangzhou's Jiangnan wholesale market were 28-31 yuan/kg in August, versus 29-39 a year earlier, and some retail prices have nearly halved. China's imports rose over 45% in the first seven months of the year, and Thailand still supplies over three-quarters of China's durian imports by value (US$4.55 billion, January-July). The China-Laos-Thailand all-rail cold chain now reaches Chengdu in about three days. For Thai durian sellers and exporters, expect tighter export margins and more competition from Vietnam, Malaysia and Laos, so plan pricing and buyer contracts for lower China prices, and watch the new rail route as a faster channel.