Malaysia is targeting durian exports to China worth US$229 million (RM932.3 million) by 2030, driven by rising demand from Chinese consumers and strong growth in both fresh and frozen durian shipments.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Trade Commissioner and Minister Counsellor (Trade) at the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, Niqman Rafaee M. Sahar, said fresh durian exports surged more than 500% after Malaysia gained market access to China in August 2024.
Fresh durian exports jumped from about US$5 million (RM20.4 million) to US$37 million (RM150.6 million) in 2025, while frozen durian exports reached nearly US$202 million (RM822.3 million). In the first quarter of 2026 alone, total durian exports to China stood at US$77 million (RM313.5 million).
Speaking after the launch of Durian Cube, a Malaysian durian specialty store in Beijing, Niqman said China imports almost US$7 billion (RM28.5 billion) worth of durian annually, with Malaysia differentiating itself by focusing on premium varieties such as Black Thorn and Musang King rather than competing on price.
He said Malaysia currently holds about four to five per cent of China’s durian market and aims to double its share to between eight and 10 per cent within the next five years, subject to supply.
Beyond fresh and frozen fruit, demand for Malaysian durian-based products is also rising, with China’s hotel, restaurant and catering sectors increasingly using the fruit in pastries, chocolates, snacks, mochi and frozen desserts, creating further opportunities for downstream exports.
Meanwhile, Chargé d’Affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, Norfarina Mohd Azmee, said Malaysia’s growing durian trade is strengthening bilateral ties with China through what she described as “durian diplomacy”.
She said Malaysia exports more than 30 of its over 100 durian varieties to China and continues to position itself as a premium supplier by exporting only naturally tree-ripened fruit.
Separately, Sri Walis (M) Sdn Bhd director K.P. Pang said demand for Malaysian fresh durian has tripled over the past year, with the company supplying around 1,000 tonnes annually to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, generating about RM30 million in sales.
The company expects exports to increase to between 2,000 and 3,000 tonnes next year despite challenges in maintaining fruit freshness during the summer months
