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CHINA’S imports of Malaysian durians are projected to increase by 15 to 20 per cent in 2025, underpinned by unrelenting consumer demand, particularly for premium varieties, according to the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (MayCham).
Chairman Loh Wee Keng said that despite heavy rains in Malaysia causing some fruit to drop prematurely, the overall export volume is still expected to exceed last year’s levels.
“Although heavy rain in Malaysia caused some fruits to drop prematurely, I foresee the overall export volume this year to be 15 to 20 per cent higher compared to last year,” he told Bernama, citing sustained demand for Malaysian durians in the Chinese market.
Loh noted that Malaysian Musang King durians, in particular, remain highly sought after by Chinese consumers who favour premium fruits.
“Right now, it’s impossible to get Grade A Musang King below RM30 per kilogramme at farm price. During the off-season like May, prices can go up to RM80 per kg. For D24, the lowest is about RM15 per kg,” he said.
Data from China’s Ministry of Agriculture showed that the country imported 19.25 million kilogrammes of Malaysian durians in 2024, valued at US\$212.05 million (approximately RM1 billion) between January and December.
Recalling the earlier days of the trade, Loh said that fifteen years ago, farm prices for frozen Musang King were around RM25 per kg, dropping to RM12 per kg during peak seasons. For frozen D24, prices ranged between RM3 and RM15 per kg.
Malaysia began exporting durians to China in 2010, following Beijing’s formal approval in 2011. Loh, who played a pioneering role in the industry, said Malaysian durians do not directly compete with Thai durians due to clear differences in pricing and quality.
“We are not competing with Thai durians because the prices and quality are completely separate matters. We are actually competing with kiwis and cherries as well as those products from Japan such as strawberries and grapes,” he said.
However, Loh warned that brand integrity must be protected, as mislabelling lower-grade durians as Musang King for profit damages trust and long-term viability.
“Some traders mislabel kampung durians and sell them as Musang King to get higher profits. This is damaging. Even kampung durians have a market if sold honestly.
“We have to educate Chinese consumers on the real characteristics of Musang King, D24 and others,” he emphasised.
He added that strong diplomatic ties have encouraged Beijing to show leniency towards Malaysian durian exports, a privilege that must be safeguarded by maintaining product authenticity and quality.
Commenting on cultivation efforts in China, Loh said Musang King durians grown on Hainan Island have not achieved the same quality as those produced in Malaysia.
“There was initial excitement, but it faded quickly. The taste is different due to the soil and climate. My friend also tried growing it here, but it wasn’t successful. Hainan Musang King cannot replace the Malaysian original,” he said. - May 2, 2025