First Philippine durian exports to reach China next month

According to the Philippine News Agency, the first ever exports of Philippine durians to China weighing a total of 7,500 metric tons will be delivered in March of this year. Cheloy Garafil, secretary of the Philippine Presidential Communications Office, said that even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had been notified of the development during a meeting held at Malacañan Palace. The durians are expected to originate from 59 producers with a combined planting area of approximately 400 hectares. During a state visit to China in January, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed a fruit export agreement with China worth $2 billion. This agreement is expected to greatly promote exports to China of high-value agricultural products such as durians, coconuts and bananas. On Jan. 7, China’s General Administration of Customs published on its website the phytosanitary requirements for Philippine durians, thus completing one of the final steps needed for shipments to commence. In a previous ...