The South China Morning Post reports that Hong Kong businesses benefit most from the mainland ban on durian import. Data from the Hong Kong government show that the durian import volume in 2016 increased by 170% in comparison with 2015. The import value reached 3.1 billion Hong Kong dollars [390 million USD]. This is because more and more mainland Chinese decided to purchase durians in Hong Kong.
Durian import data for Hong Kong
The increased demand for Malaysian Musang King durian primarily affects durian retail in Hong Kong, because this characteristic product can only be directly imported to mainland China as refrigerated fruit. The growing demand for Malaysian durians in Hong Kong has led to a price increase of at least 30% in the last two years. The price is currently at 200 Hong Kong dollar [25.48 USD] per kg. More and more Hong Kong traders are starting to sell Malaysian durians.
The mainland prohibition of fresh Malaysian durians may be lifted next year. If mainland customers are able to enjoy fresh Malaysian durian from the comfort of their own home, then that will certainly have a disastrous effect on the durian economy in Hong Kong. However, it will also stimulate the growth of Musang King durian plantations in Malaysia.
Source: go176.net