The Chinese demand for durians is very high, but what effect will it have on the environment and the people? Malaysia has started to export whole durian to China by air, in hopes of flying 8,000 tons of the fruit to China every year.
Since the demand for durian is quite high in China, Malaysia is doing whatever it can to fulfill the demand. However, this demand might be fueling deforestation. Malaysia produces around 300,000 tons of durian every year, out of which only 236 tons were exported to China in the form of pulp and paste in 2018.
Malaysian ministry of agriculture and agro-based industry predicted its expected total durian exports to China to increase to 22,000 tons by 2030.
China imports most of its fresh durian from Thailand, which is the world’s top producer and exporter. Malaysia has a small official share because of trade restrictions, although some illegal imports do enter the country.
The ministry is self-assured that the output Malaysia is producing will satisfy the local, and international demands, especially the Chinese demand. The New Source of Wealth policy aids and assists replanting and rehabilitation of farms, under which durian farming has been recognized.
Source: marketexpert24.com
