With over 115,000 tonnes shipped since 2018, Malaysia eyes Taiwan and Peru to expand its booming durian trade.
Malaysia’s durian exports to China have generated more than RM6.37 billion (S$1.84 billion) over the past seven years, according to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, marking an impressive surge in demand for the country’s signature fruit. As Malaysia cements its position in the global durian market, the government is now setting its sights on Taiwan and Peru as the next frontier for export growth.
RM6.37 Billion Export Milestone
In a written parliamentary reply on October 7, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry reported that between 2018 and June 2025, Malaysia exported 115,359 tonnes of durian products to China, valued at RM6.37 billion. The exports were tracked using phytosanitary certificates issued for the fruit’s various forms — including pulp, paste, frozen, and now fresh durians.
The ministry projected that export values could reach RM1.8 billion by 2030, involving up to 69,000 tonnes of durians annually. “The Agriculture Department is committed to exploring new opportunities and expanding our markets to Taiwan and Peru as well,” it said.
China’s Growing Appetite for Malaysian Durian
China’s demand for Malaysian durians has grown exponentially since exports began in 2018. That year, Malaysia shipped 3,555 tonnes of pulp and paste durians worth RM202 million. The following year, the country started exporting frozen durians, with 3,177 tonnes valued at RM143 million, while pulp and paste exports rose to 5,239 tonnes worth RM168 million.
By 2021, frozen durian exports surged twofold to 12,153 tonnes worth RM577 million, while pulp and paste durians also grew to 5,895 tonnes valued at RM368 million. The upward trajectory continued through 2022, when Malaysia recorded a landmark RM1.27 billion in frozen durian exports — a clear sign of China’s rising appetite for the King of Fruits.
Expansion to Fresh Fruit Exports
A major breakthrough came in August 2024, when Malaysia began exporting fresh durians to China for the first time. Initially totaling 501 tonnes, fresh durian exports climbed to 773 tonnes by June 2025, valued at over RM50 million.
Meanwhile, frozen durian exports reached 3,599 tonnes, and pulp and paste shipments totaled 5,241 tonnes during the same period. The diversification into fresh fruit is expected to further boost Malaysia’s export earnings, particularly as premium Musang King durians remain in high demand among Chinese consumers.
Targeting New Markets: Taiwan and Peru
With China’s market nearing saturation, Malaysia is proactively exploring Taiwan and Peru as emerging destinations for durian exports. These moves are part of the ministry’s long-term diversification strategy to reduce market concentration risks and maintain export momentum.
Agricultural trade experts see this as a natural progression for Malaysia’s fruit export strategy, as both Taiwan and Peru are investing heavily in high-end agricultural imports and premium tropical produce.
Sustaining Growth Through Innovation
To maintain Malaysia’s leadership in the global durian industry, the government plans to enhance fruit quality, standardize export certification, and improve cold-chain logistics to preserve freshness during long-haul shipments. Officials also emphasised the need for sustainable farming practices to ensure consistent supply amid rising global demand.
As of mid-2025, the Agriculture Ministry remains confident that Malaysia’s durian industry can continue to thrive as a key agricultural export, supported by innovation, quality assurance, and market diversification.
From its early exports of pulp and paste to today’s premium fresh fruit shipments, Malaysia’s durian trade has evolved into a multi-billion-ringgit success story. As the country pushes toward new markets in Taiwan and Latin America, the King of Fruits stands as both a cultural symbol and an economic powerhouse — reaffirming Malaysia’s status as the world’s durian capital.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , The Star (2025)
Keywords: Malaysia Durian, China Market, Fruit Exports, Agricultural Trade, Taiwan, Peru
