Between 2018 and 2025, Malaysia exported a total of 115,359 metric tons of fresh durians, frozen whole durians, and durian pulp and paste worth RM6.37 billion (US$1.35 billion) to China, according to data from phytosanitary certificates for durian exports.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), in a written reply published on the Dewan Rakyat website, stated that Malaysia began exporting frozen whole durians to China in June 2019, with 3,177 metric tons valued at RM143 million (US$30.4 million). In the same year, pulp and paste exports rose to 5,239 metric tons worth RM168 million (US$35.7 million).
In 2018, durian pulp and paste exports had totalled 3,555 metric tons worth RM202 million (US$42.9 million). The introduction of frozen whole durians in 2019 marked a deeper entry into China's fruit market.
In 2020, frozen whole durian exports increased to 6,225 metric tons worth RM286 million (US$60.8 million), while pulp and paste declined to 3,456 metric tons worth RM171 million (US$36.3 million). By 2021, frozen whole durians doubled to 12,153 metric tons valued at RM577 million (US$122.6 million), with pulp and paste also rising to 5,895 metric tons worth RM368 million (US$78.2 million).
Exports continued in 2022 with frozen whole durians at 13,401 metric tons worth RM1.277 billion (US$271.4 million), although pulp and paste eased slightly to 5,703 metric tons worth RM326 million (US$69.3 million). In 2023, frozen whole durians increased to 13,983 metric tons worth RM738 million (US$156.8 million), while pulp and paste nearly doubled to 12,321 metric tons worth RM623 million (US$132.4 million).
Malaysia began exporting fresh whole durians to China in August 2024, alongside frozen durians and pulp and paste. In 2025, frozen whole durian exports fell to 8,518 metric tons worth RM418 million (US$88.7 million), while pulp and paste remained stable at 11,611 metric tons worth RM579 million (US$122.8 million).
As of June 2025, fresh durian exports to China reached 773 metric tons worth nearly RM50 million (US$10.6 million). In the same period, frozen whole durians totalled 3,599 metric tons worth RM183 million (US$38.8 million) and pulp and paste 5,241 metric tons worth RM230 million (US$48.7 million).
KPKM added that through the Department of Agriculture, it is pursuing new export opportunities beyond China, with Taiwan and Peru identified as potential markets. It projected Malaysian durian exports to reach RM1.8 billion (US$382 million) by 2030, involving an estimated 69,000 metric tons.
"Currently, KPKM is exploring new markets for durian products in Taiwan," the ministry stated.
Source: Business Today
