Surge in Durian Imports: Chinas Growing Craving Boosts Trade for Thailand and Malaysia
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In the first half of 2026, China’s durian imports saw a significant increase of 47% compared to the previous year. This was largely due to surplus stock from Southeast Asian exporters, such as Thailand and Malaysia, following a decrease in durian prices. According to Chinese customs data, Thailand exported roughly US$3.79 billion worth of durians to China within this period, dominating 81% of the market share.
The Durian Market
Vietnam came in second in the durian export market throughout the first half of 2026, with exports reaching an estimated value of $846 million. This makes up 18% of the total durian imports into China. Despite this, Thailand’s durians remain a favorite among Chinese consumers, thanks to a robust logistics and quality-control system that effectively enhances the fruit’s reputation.
Vietnam has also increased its durian exports to China since it received the green light to export fresh durians in 2022. However, some challenges were faced concerning quality control. Malaysia, a newcomer to China’s fresh durian market, exported roughly $30.26 million worth of the fruit within the first half of 2026, marking a whopping 342% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
The Changing Durian Landscape
In total, the volume of durian imports from all countries reached 1.07 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, increasing from 708,000 tonnes in the same period a year earlier. Factors such as improved services on the China-Laos Railway and the growth of Chinese e-commerce platforms have significantly boosted Southeast Asian durian exports to China, which is the world’s largest market and accounts for 90% of global durian consumption.
Currently, durian producers like Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam are experiencing an oversupply due to the peak durian harvest season. This is a result of orchards reaching full production capacity and an output growth that surpasses demand.
Despite the strong long-term demand from China, an imbalance has been noted where production has not expanded at the same pace as demand. This has resulted in a fall in durian prices during peak season. Officials in Malaysia are seeking permission from China’s General Administration of Customs to open a land-based shipping route in response to the oversupply.
There has been a notable drop in durian prices in China, between 14% and 20%, due to factors such as increased supply from different origins, high inventories, and cautious consumer spending.
Questions & Answers
What caused the significant increase in China’s durian imports?
There was a surplus of durians from Southeast Asian exporters due to a decrease in prices, leading to an increased supply to China.
Which country is the largest exporter of durians to China?
Thailand is the leading exporter, supplying approximately 81% of China’s durian imports in the first half of 2026.
Why are durian prices falling in China?
The decrease in durian prices in China can be attributed to increased supply from different countries, high inventories, and more conservative consumer spending.