Malaysian durian growers face losses as climate change and rising costs hit China export market

Durian orchard owner Stephen Chow in Karak, Malaysia, says extreme weather and higher input costs are pushing his business toward a loss. Heavy rain in 2021 flooded his orchard, and persistent rain during flowering over the next three years caused pollination failures. This year, daytime temperatures of 33‑35 °C and night‑time rain forced Chow to prune trees, increase watering and use more fertilizer. At the same time, fuel and fertilizer prices rose sharply after the Iran war, adding to expenses. An oversupply of durians in Malaysia, driven by hotter, drier conditions and more mature orchards, has also depressed prices. Grade‑A Musang King durians now sell for about $8.6 per kilogram, roughly half last year’s price and one‑third of the 2024 peak. While Chinese consumers continue to drive demand for premium Malaysian varieties such as Musang King and Black Thorn, growers are also competing with Thailand and Vietnam. The combined impact of climate change, rising costs and market oversupply threatens the profitability of Malaysia’s expanding durian sector.