In W25 in the durian landscape, Monthong durian production in Palu, Sulawesi, and Bali is increasing, with new plantations and Packhouses established in 2023. The current market for these durians is limited to the domestic market as currently, durians from Indonesia are not allowed to be imported into China. Indonesian exporters have urged the government to initiate negotiations with customs and quarantine authorities in China to allow Indonesian durians to be exported to China. Vietnam exported 400 tons of Dona and Ri6 durian varieties to the Chinese market during Fruit Honor Week 2023. The Deputy Consulate General praised the fruit's delicious and nutritious nature, highlighting its potential for commercial cooperation. Vietnam and China are promoting agricultural products export and import, with Vietnamese durian entering China's supermarkets and wholesale markets. Tien Giang, the Mekong Delta's largest fruit tree area in Vietnam, aims to grant 100% of its area a planting area code for export and domestic consumption by 2025. Malaysia's 'Durian Tourism 2023' campaign targets Chinese tourists, showcasing Malaysian durians' unique taste and quality. The campaign, part of the International Travel Expo 2023, offers industry players diversification opportunities beyond durian picking, showcasing local fruits, drinks, village life, and sports activities.
In Thailand, the Royal Irrigation Department ordered the Bureau of Machinery and Irrigation Office No. 14 to distribute water trucks, machines, and tools to aid durian farmers in the upper southern region affected by water shortages. Rain and drought conditions are causing Thai farmers to prepare for harvesting durian. In addition, Thai durian's popularity surged among Chinese consumers, with nearly half a million tonnes exported to China in the first five months due to the improvement of the convenient transportation system. It was reported that Thailand's durian exports reached USD 1.8 million (THB 63.6 million) in the first four months of 2023, an increase of 166% YoY. China was the top export market, followed by Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Vietnam's export market experienced a remarkable 10.7% increase. Further, Thai middlemen traders face imprisonment and fines for colluding to suppress southern durian prices, as they refuse to buy durian and mangosteen, as they are harvested later. In the Philippines, City Agriculturist Office (CAgro) plans to distribute 10 thousand durian seedlings to 25 to 50 farmers in Baguio, Calinan in July 2023. The program, primarily for the Puyat variety, has export potential due to its characteristics. The program is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region. The city is conducive to durian production and thrives in areas above 800 meters. Further, Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) introduces China Indonesia Service 2 (CIS2), enabling Philippine durian exporters to export produce to the Chinese market. This service connects multiple ports in China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, offering competitive and reliable shipment options. Durian farmers in the Philippines are expected to export USD 260 million worth of fruit to China in 2023.
