Malaysia Hopes to Export Fresh Durian to China Next Year

Date: October 8, 2023, 09:25 PM

Source: Ya Luo Ya Comprehensive News   

https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/sea/story20231008-1440848

Malaysia is awaiting approval from the General Administration of Customs of China for the import of fresh Malaysian durians and hopes that this application will be approved in time for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China next year. According to Norsang Awi, Deputy Director of the Malaysian Agricultural Department (Supervision and Management), Malaysia is currently only permitted to export frozen durians, including frozen durian with seeds, frozen seedless durian flesh, and durian paste to China. In contrast, Thailand and Vietnam have already been approved to export fresh durians to China.

After accompanying representatives from the General Administration of Customs of China on a visit to Kafu Group’s durian ecopark in Melaka, Norsang Awi expressed hope that Malaysia will significantly increase the export of fresh durians once approval from China is obtained. She mentioned that Thailand is currently the largest source of durians for China, and Malaysia aims to tap into the Chinese market by exporting fresh durians.

Chinese consumers have a strong preference for durians, with the most sought-after variety being Musang King. Malaysia focuses heavily on this variety, with Musang King making up nearly half of its durian exports. Despite this, Musang King remains in short supply in China. Therefore, Malaysia will continue to work with durian growers to find various ways to export more Musang King durians to China, including frozen durians with shells.

Norsang Awi also called on durian growers to prepare for the export of fresh durians to China. She stated that Malaysia’s durians, frozen durians, and processed durian products are primarily exported to six countries and regions: Singapore, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, the United States, and Canada. So far this year, Malaysia has exported 26,442 metric tons of frozen durians, and it is expected that the amount will exceed 27,000 metric tons next year.