W42: Durian Update

In W42 in the durian landscape, Musang King durian prices in Vietnam have plummeted to USD 3.26 to 4.07 per kilogram (VND 80,000 to 100,000), a 70% year-over-year (YoY) decrease and the lowest in history. Musang King yields half the quantity compared to the Monthong variety, as its fruits are smaller and weigh 1 to 1.5 kg. Some durian farmers are transitioning to different seedlings due to the low productivity and unfavorable conditions for Musang King durians in certain regions.

Furthermore, durian prices in the southwest region of Vietnam slightly decreased on October 18, 2023. In the southwest, Ri6 durian holds the highest price at USD 3.26/kg (VND 80,000/kg), Thai durian is priced at USD 3.26/kg (VND 80,000/kg), and beautiful Thai durian ranges from USD 3.46 to 3.58/kg (VND 85,000 to 88,000/kg). In the southeast region, beautiful Ri6 durian maintains a price of USD 2.97 to 3.17/kg (VND 73,000 to 78,000/kg), while Ri6 durian stays at USD 2.44 to 2.65/kg (VND 60,000 to 65,000/kg. In the Central Highlands region, beautiful Ri6 durian retains its price at USD 2.97 to 3.17/kg (VND 73,000 to 78,000/kg, and durian Ri6 bucket remains at USD 2.44 to 2.65/kg (VND 60,000 to 65,000/kg. Beautifully selected Thai durian is priced at USD 3.38 to 3.58/kg (VND 83,000 to 88,000/kg) across the regions, while Thai durian bought in buckets costs USD 3.01 to 3.21/kg (VND 74,000 to 79,000/kg).

Malaysia is actively seeking approval to export fresh whole durians to China, aiming to increase exports by 50% by 2030, focusing on the Musang King variety. Recent exports have fallen short, prompting Malaysia to consider exporting cost-effective fresh durians to compete in the Chinese market, where prices have dropped. Thailand and Vietnam are also cultivating Musang King durians for the Chinese market. Malaysia's quest for fresh durian exports to China is a strategic move to regain market share and stabilize prices.

Lastly, Davao City, Philippines, aims to become a primary durian exporter to China, competing with Malaysia and Thailand. Thailand exports about 95% of global durian, and Malaysia 4%. Davao City's Durian Industry Association plans to expand durian plantations by 15 thousand hectares (ha) in five years. In 2021, the Davao Region had 8.1 thousand ha of durian plantations with 884.5 thousand bearing trees. While the association is in exploratory talks with Middle Eastern countries and Pakistan, it is also discussing direct durian exports with Australia, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and the European Union, among others.