Massive Export of Fresh Durians to China

In a significant boost to Malaysia's agricultural exports, the country has successfully shipped 413.6 metric tonnes of fresh durian to China, fetching a whopping $5.5 million. The first batch of this exotic fruit made its way to Chinese markets at the end of August, as per the latest data from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.

This picture taken on April 26, 2022, shows a worker presenting durian fruit at the Top Fruit durian farm in Batu Pahat, Malaysia's Johor state. Photo by AFP

Expanding Market Presence in China

Since receiving permission to export fresh durians to China in June last year under a phytosanitary protocol, Malaysian durians are now available in 16 regions across China. These include major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, and Chengdu. The exports are highly regarded as premium products in the Chinese market.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the growing demand, Malaysia faces challenges in meeting China's appetite for fresh durians due to limited production periods, typically twice a year. To ensure the highest quality, Malaysian exporters airship the fruit in refrigerated conditions within three to four days, albeit at higher shipping costs. In contrast, Vietnamese and Thai exporters harvest their fruits up to 25 days before ripening, offering a competitive edge.

China's import of durian reached a record $6.99 billion last year, marking a 4.1% increase from 2023. Thailand remains the top supplier, followed by Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.