Malaysia pushes durian exports to China as local prices plunge

A bumper harvest this year has led to a sharp oversupply of durian in Malaysia, causing retail prices of the Musang King variety to fall by as much as 90%. Domestic rates dropped from roughly US$3.50 per kilogram to between US$0.25 and US$1.00, and similar price pressures are reported in nearby Vietnam.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he will raise the issue with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during an upcoming visit to Beijing, seeking to boost Chinese purchases and stabilise farmer incomes. Malaysia aims to raise its durian exports to China from US$77 million in early 2026 to US$229 million by 2030, increasing its market share from about 4‑5% to 8‑10%. The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority is buying surplus fruit and processing some into pulp to absorb the glut, while exporters focus on premium varieties such as Black Thorn and Musang King.