Durian Imports to China Continue to Rise From Strong Demand
The volume of China’s durian imports coming from Malaysia is expected to increase by between 15% and 20% this year, driven by sustained consumer demand, despite the recent weather-related challenges throughout Malaysia.
Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (MayCham) chairman Loh Wee Keng noted that the high demand from Chinese consumers continue to outpace supply, particularly for premium varieties such as Musang King and D24.
“Although heavy rain have caused some of the fruits to drop prematurely, I foresee the overall export volume this year to be 15%-20% higher compared to last year,” he said, adding that the demand for durian continues to be robust in the China market.
“Right now, it’s impossible to get Grade A Musang King below RM30 per kilogramme (kg) at farm price. During the off-season like May, prices can go up to RM80 per kg. For D24, the lowest is about RM15 per kg,” he noted.
According to China’s Ministry of Agriculture, the country imported 19.25 million kg of durians from Malaysia worth US$212.05 million (RM1 billion) between January and December 2024.
Fifteen years ago, Loh mentioned that the farm price for frozen Musang King was about RM25 per kg and could drop as low as RM12 per kg during peak season.
“While for frozen D24, the highest could be RM15 per kg, the lowest can come to RM3 per kg,” he said.
“We are not competing with Thai durians because the prices and quality are completely separate matters. We are actually competing with kiwis and cherries as well as those products from Japan such as strawberries and grapes,” he pointed out.
Being a pioneer of Malaysia’s frozen durian exports to China, Loh emphasised that industry players must protect the integrity of the Malaysian durian brands in China.
“Some traders mislabel kampung durians and sell them as Musang King to get higher profits. This is damaging (for the market). Even kampung durians have a market if sold honestly.
“We have to educate Chinese consumers on the real characteristics of Musang King, D24 and others,” he continued.
Loh also said that the Chinese government has been very supportive and has shown leniency on Malaysian durian exports due to strong diplomatic ties. Hence, businesses must maintain the reputation and bilateral relations.
