W13 Durian Update: Declining Prices of Musang King Durians in Vietnamese Market and Malaysia's Durian Export Season Prepares for Musang King Demand

Published 2024년 4월 4일

In W13 in the durian landscape, Vietnam has secured 876 durian export facilities for China, paving the way for future growth. Moreover, Vietnam's durian exports surged to USD 2.1 billion in 2023, with China accounting for 99.4% of these exports. The industry is poised for further growth, with stakeholders urged to improve quality and processing capabilities. Lastly, the Musang King durian variety has seen a price drop but is still highly sought after. Malaysia's durian growers are preparing for a new export season.

Vietnam Secured 876 Durian Export Facilities for the Chinese Market

According to the Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam has more than 800 durian planting areas and packaging facilities that are qualified to export to China. The General Administration of Customs (GACC) of China has issued codes to these facilities, opening the door for future durian exports to that country.

Vietnamese durian exports grew to USD 2.1 billion in 2023, an increase from USD 288 million registered in the previous year, primarily due to the Chinese market, accounting for 99.4% of these exports. This growth is part of a broader trend in fruit and vegetable exports, which rose by over 70% to USD 970 million from Jan-24 to Feb-24. With durian planting areas expanding in Vietnam's southern and central regions and finalizing market access procedures for coconut and frozen durian between Vietnam and China, the Vietnamese durian industry is poised for further growth. Stakeholders are urged to improve quality and processing capabilities to capitalize on the projected global market demand of USD 28.6 billion by 2025.

Price Drop of Musang King in Vietnamese Market Amid Demand Shifts

Musang King, known as the king of durians for its exceptional taste and origin in Malaysia, has seen a significant price drop in recent years. Previously, Musang King durian prices reached USD 72.36/kg (VND 1.8 million/kg) in its frozen state and around USD 32.16/kg (VND 800,000/kg) for local varieties in Vietnam. However, according to durian buyers, the Musang King durian price in W13 has decreased to USD 8.04/kg (VND 200,000/kg). Despite being off-season and having a lower yield than other durian varieties like Ri6 and Monthong, Musang King still commands a higher market price, with special types selling for about USD 16.08/kg (VND 400,000/kg). This variety has also been introduced to Vietnam's Central Highlands and Mekong Delta, with successful harvests starting in the last four years.

Sigi Regency's Durian Potentially Emerging as a Musang King Producer

Sigi Regency in Central Sulawesi, along with Parigi Moutong and Poso Regencies, can potentially become a major producer of Musang King durian. The Sigi Regency Government has started exporting durian via Surabaya, and plans are in place to facilitate direct exports. The Sigi Food Crops and Horticulture Service gathers information about durian farming in Sigi and collaborates with the provincial government to improve welfare. Durian centers are in Parigi Moutong and Poso Regencies, but Sigi Regency and other districts are ready to serve as buffers. Durian seeds were distributed to farmers in 2023 for planting on 1 thousand hectares (ha).

Malaysia's Durian Export Season Prepares for Musang King Demand

Durian growers in Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia, are preparing for a new export season, focusing on the highly-priced Musang King variety, which is especially popular in mainland China and Hong Kong. Despite a delay caused by hot weather, the season is expected to run from May to August. Musang King durians command a significantly higher price in Hong Kong than in Malaysia. Since 2019, Malaysia has been exporting shelled frozen durians to China. In 2023, Malaysia produced 455.4 thousand tons of durians, with 10% of that volume destined for export to China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This 2024 holds particular significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia, with fresh Malaysian durians expected to be exported directly to the Chinese market for the first time.