W10 Durian Update: High Chinese Demand Drives Malaysia's Durian Exports Surge, Early Ripening Causes Durian Prices to Plummet in Malaysia, and Vietnam's Strategic Plan to Dominate the Durian Export Market

Published 2024년 3월 13일

In W10 in the durian landscape, according to a report from Agriculture and Food Security released on March 6, 2024, Malaysia exported 234 thousand tons of durian from 2017 to 2022, valued at USD 1.1 billion. These exports were distributed among 41 countries, including China, Singapore, Hong Kong, the US, and Australia. Moreover, Malaysia aims to grow its market by selling whole durians in China and increasing promotions. Early ripening in Malaysia leads to low prices, but sales have been slow due to limited awareness. Lastly, Vietnam aims to join the billion-dollar durian export market by improving fruit quality and focusing on the Central Highlands, Mekong Delta, and Southeast region.

Malaysia's Durian Exports Reach USD 1.1 Billion from 2017 to 2022 Due to Strong Demand from China

According to the recent reports from Feb-24, Malaysia exported 234 thousand tons of durian from 2017 to 2022, worth USD 1.1 billion (MYR 5.1 billion). Malaysian durians were sent to 41 countries, including China, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States (US), and Australia. China received the most durian, with 73% of exports, totaling USD 810.26 million (MYR 3.79 billion) for 81 thousand metric tons (mt). Malaysia aims to grow its market by negotiating to sell whole durians in China.

Early Ripening Durians in Malaysia Leads to Low Prices

Malaysia's hot and humid weather has caused some durians to ripen early, leading to lower prices. Despite the early harvest and low prices, sales have been slow due to limited awareness of the fruit's availability. Malaysia's durian industry has experienced substantial growth in production and exports, with estimates suggesting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2023 to 2033. Malaysia is also working to gain access to the Chinese market for its fresh durians, with a memorandum of understanding signed to establish a dedicated charter flight route from Kuala Lumpur to Zhengzhou.

Vietnam’s Strategic Initiative to Boost the Durian Export Market

Vietnam positioned itself as a leading player in the durian export market, aiming for billion-dollar export revenues. The country allocated over 110 thousand hectares (ha) to durian cultivation, primarily in the Central Highlands, Mekong Delta, and Southeast region. Due to high demand in import markets, Vietnamese durian proved more lucrative than other exports, resulting in a significant annual increase in cultivation area. Durian farming was noted for its high profitability, substantially outperforming other crops like coffee and pepper.

Vietnam Aims for Billion-Dollar Durian Export Market

Vietnam aims to join the billion-dollar durian export market by using its strengths and improving fruit quality. With over 110 thousand ha of durian farms, Vietnam produces nearly 850 thousand mt yearly. The main areas for durian farming are the Central Highlands, Mekong Delta, and southeast region. Vietnamese durian is popular and fetches high prices in foreign markets, with farming expanding by almost 25% yearly over the last five years. Intimex Group's Chairman and General Director highlighted the profitability of durian farming, with profits/ha reaching up to USD 81.1 thousand (VND 2 billion) annually, surpassing other crops like coffee and pepper.