Malaysia projects a 20-25% increase in durian exports to China this year, driven by rising demand and expanded local production. This forecast is based on the expansion of farming areas and processing facilities, alongside strengthened commercial ties and promotional efforts, as noted by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority and reported by The Star.
In various states, efforts to enhance durian cultivation are underway. For instance, Kelantan has allocated 3,000 hectares for Musang King durian plantations, a variety predominantly cultivated in Malaysia.
Durian growers indicate that China's recent import restrictions on fresh durians from Vietnam and Thailand may boost demand for Malaysian durians.
Sam Tan, president of the Malaysia Durian Exporters Association, has urged the government to implement a policy against the pre-cutting of durians to maintain the quality of Malaysian durians. He stated, "Farmers in Thailand and Vietnam often cut the fruit before they are ripe for more convenience in transportation." In contrast, Malaysian durians are allowed to ripen naturally and are harvested only after they fall from the tree.
Tan emphasized that this natural ripening process yields a product free from chemicals, which is highly valued in markets like China.
In the last four months of 2024, Malaysia exported MYR24.8 million (US$5.5 million) worth of fresh durian to China following an export protocol signed in June. China imported a record US$6.99 billion worth of durian last year, a 4.1% increase from 2023. Thailand was the top supplier, followed by Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Source: VNExpress
