Malaysian durians are gaining worldwide recognition, from China to Europe and the U.S,, as exports have surged in recent years, driven by rising demand.
From 2020 to 2024, durian exports from Malaysia to Europe increased by 162%, while those to North America and the Middle East grew by 5.2% and 8.8% respectively, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu, as reported by The Star.
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A promotional image of durians for sale online. Photo courtesy of Durian Delivery Singapore |
This expansion, he explained, resulted from concerted initiatives to broaden export markets and highlight Malaysia’s premium durian varieties, especially Musang King, which continues to enjoy strong global demand.
China continues to be the main export destination, with shipment valued at MYR1.19 billion (US$284 million), followed by Hong Kong (MYR101 million) and Singapore (MYR76 million).
Malaysian durians are now shipped to over 40 countries, including Canada, Japan, South Korea, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, France and Spain.
The government has allocated MYR45 million for new planting and replanting initiatives spanning more than 9,400 ha to ensure sustained fruit production in the long term.
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority is establishing international agro trade networks with 10 overseas marketing agents and carrying out trial shipments to nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Britain and Canada.
