12. PRICING OF LONGAN

The farm gate price of longan is often influenced by the production. During the 'on' years when production is good, the price obtained by the farmers is usually low. The reverse is true when production is low during the 'off years. This trend is clearly seen in Thailand (Table 7) and Taiwan Province of China (Table 8).

Table 7. Production and Average farm-gate price of longan in Thailand (25 Baht = 1 US dollar)

Year	Production (metric ton)	Average Price (Baht/kg)
1989	44,661	28.00
1990	145,869	7.46
1991	81,842	25.63
1992	145,047	22.86
1993	92,742	11.49
1994	193,079	7.72
1995	143,592	18.87
1996	236,426	16.17
1997	227,979	23.90

Source: Subhadrabandhu and Yapwattanaphun (2000a).

Table 8. Production and Average farm-gate price of longan in Taiwan Province of China

Year	Production (metric ton)	Average price (N.T.$/kg)
1994	109,460	34.48
1995	151,388	17.34
1996	53,215	74.40
1997	130,495	25.34
1998	53,385	64.00

Source: Yen (2000).