Malaysia's durians are gaining ground across global markets, with exports increasing sharply in recent years as demand for the fruit continues to grow in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Between 2020 and 2024, Malaysia's durian exports to Europe rose by 162%, while shipments to North America and the Middle East increased by 5.2% and 8.8% respectively, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said this growth was supported by coordinated efforts to develop export markets and promote Malaysia's premium durian varieties, particularly Musang King, which remains in high demand internationally.
"China continues to be the main export destination, with exports valued at US$247.7 million in 2023, followed by Hong Kong (US$21 million), Singapore (US$15.8 million), Indonesia (US$12.1 million) and the United States (US$7.4 million)," he said in a written reply to Chow Yu Hui (PH–Raub) on Thursday, October 30.
Overall, Malaysia's durian exports increased from US$119 million in 2020 to US$314.5 million in 2023 before easing slightly to US$245 million last year. Malaysian durians are now exported to more than 40 countries, including Canada, Japan, South Korea, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, France, and Spain.
To support export growth, the Department of Agriculture is helping orchards obtain Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (myGAP) certification, a requirement for export access. To date, 1,933 durian farms across the country have been certified. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, around US$9.3 million has been allocated for new planting and replanting projects covering more than 9,400 hectares to maintain production levels.
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) is developing international trade channels with 10 overseas marketing agents and has initiated trial shipments to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
The ministry stated that packaging, branding, and promotional campaigns such as "Malaysia's Best" and "Taste of Malaysia" in major supermarket chains abroad have raised awareness of Malaysian durians. It added that these initiatives have helped sustain demand and strengthen the country's position in both traditional and emerging durian markets.
Source: The Star
