Durian prices might rise if exported to China 

Raub District Industrial Plant Operators Association chairman Nicky Koh Kuan Heng said, if durians were to be exported to China in August, Malaysian durians availability in the market would be limited, which might drive up durians prices.

The reason is that severe weather has crippled this season’s durian harvest, sharply reducing durian production. 

“However, consumers can choose durian varieties and grades based on their own economic capabilities, such as Musang King, Black Thorn, D24, Tekka, Red Prawn, and Kampung durians, available in grades A, B, or C.”

“Currently, Malaysian durians are exported to China using liquid nitrogen freezing methods, including (freezing) whole durians with shells, pulp, and puree,” he said. 

He mentioned that once durians are exported to China in fresh fruit form, it will reduce the preservation costs of durians as liquid nitrogen will not be required.

He pointed out that besides Musang King, other varieties of durians can also be exported to China, including Kampung durians, which are also popular there, catering to different consumer groups with various preferences.

Following the signing of the “Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Fresh Durian from Malaysia” between Malaysia and China, durians are scheduled to be exported to China starting in August.

On June 19, Malaysia and China signed 14 memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements, including one enabling the export of fresh Malaysian fruits to China.