W46 Durian Update: China’s Durian Imports Surge, Vietnam’s Exports Reach USD 2.5 Billion, and Philippine High-Value Crops Development Plan Aims to Boost Local Industry

China’s Durian Imports Quadruple Over Five Years

In W46 in the durian landscape, China has seen a significant increase in durian imports over the past five years, with a nearly quadruple increase from 224.4 thousand tons in 2017 to 825 thousand tons in 2022. Online durian sales also surged by 3.4 times from Jan-23 to Aug-23.

Vietnam's USD 2.5B Durian Export Goal in 2023 and Stable Prices

Vietnam's durian export turnover is forecasted to reach USD 2.5 billion in 2023, accounting for 40% of the country's total exports. The Chinese market is anticipated to increase demand, leading to potential exports exceeding USD 6 billion in 2024. Negotiations for frozen durians with China are expected. Vinafruit predicts fruit and vegetable exports to China will reach USD 6 billion by 2024, with potential for increased durian consumption. Vietnam's negotiation with China for products like fresh coconuts and frozen durians could boost export turnover, surpassing Thailand, and potentially increase China's import capacity.

Durian prices in the Mekong Delta, particularly in Bến Tre province, Vietnam, have surged recently. Export businesses are purchasing durians at significantly higher rates, with Ri6 durians fetching around USD 4.14 to 4.34 per kilogram (VND 100,000 to 105,000/kg) and Thai durians priced at USD 4.76 to 4.96/kg (VND 115,000 to 120,000/kg). Although the Chinese market is experiencing a slowdown due to the end of the season, it still shows good demand. However, Vietnam's durian production and export encounter issues from premature harvesting and inadequate ripeness levels, impacting export quality and the national durian brand. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Bến Tre is instructing local committees to guide farmers on proper harvesting practices and enhance farming techniques, emphasizing flower and fruit pruning, as outlined in Decision Number 362.

Durian prices on November 13, 2023, in Vietnam, were as follows: Thai durian stood at USD 5.58 to 6/kg (VND 135,000 to 145,000/kg), remaining stable after a USD 0.21/kg (VND 5,000/kg) increase compared to November 12, 2023. Thai durian in buckets costs USD 4.76 to 4.96/kg (VND 115,000 to 120,000/kg), maintaining November 12, 2023’s price. In the Southeast region, Ri6 durian price stood at USD USD 4.76 to 4.96/kg (VND 115,000 to 120,000/kg), unchanged, while Ri6 durian in buckets costs USD 4.14 to 4.34/kg (VND 100,000 to 105,000/kg), the price remains steady. In the Central Highlands, Ri6 durian maintains a price of USD 4.76 to 4.96/kg (VND 115,000 to 120,000/kg), and Ri6 durian in buckets is priced at USD 4.14 to 4.34/kg (VND 100,000 to 105,000/kg), both prices unchanged. Thai durian prices in the Central Highlands range from USD 5.38 to 5.79/kg (VND 130,000 to 140,000/kg), with bucket prices remaining stable at USD 4.55 to 4.96/kg (VND 110,000 to 120,000/kg).

The Philippines’ Cagayan Valley Expands Its Durian Planting Area to Enter the Chinese Market

The Philippine High-Value Crops Development Plan (HVCDP) aims to expand the local durian industry in the Cagayan Valley, the second-largest region in the Philippines, with the Department of Agriculture planning to increase its domestic durian planting area to 15 thousand hectares (ha) within five years. The Cagayan Valley has a durian planting area of 4 ha, producing 35.4 tons annually. HVCDP plans to distribute 8 thousand durian seedlings in 2023, covering 80 ha. Durian production in the Philippines is primarily concentrated in Davao City, accounting for 80% of the country's durian production.