China to buy US$120 million of durians a year from Malaysia as spike in sales expected after green light on export of whole fruits

Malaysia’s agriculture minister says more Malaysian companies are hoping to obtain permission to export to China, where the fruit is hugely popular

The Southeast Asian nation’s advantage, according to a durian expert, is that the flavours of fully ripened durian are more in line with Chinese tastes

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Malaysia’s Musang King durian is a big hit in China. Photo: Vkeong.com

Published: 8:00am, 18 Jun 2019Updated: 8:00am, 18 Jun 2019

China just loves Malaysian durians – and with an expected 1,000 tonnes of whole frozen durians from the Southeast Asian nation expected to enter Chinese markets each month, Malaysia is only too happy to indulge that affection.

Durian exports to China are expected to contribute close to 500 million ringgit (US$120 million) to the nation’s total export value annually, said minister of agriculture and agro-based industry Salahuddin Ayub.

Speaking to press as the first shipment of fruits was about to depart to China, the minister said more and more Malaysian companies are hoping to obtain permission to export there.

Also present was Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian, who said there were “300-400 million mid-income customers” in China who were “all waiting for the best of the durians” to arrive.

Previously, Malaysia was only allowed to ship frozen durian pulp and paste to China, but a recent agreement has given whole fruits the green light – putting the country in direct competition with Thailand, which until recently was the only country allowed to do so.

The durian, which has a thorny skin that is carved open to reveal handfuls of creamy, custard-like fruit, is a polarising delicacy. While it is popular in Asia, some are unable to stomach its pungent fragrance.

Roasted durians at an eatery specialising in the fruit in Beijing, China. Photo: AFP