Indonesia prepares to export durians directly to China

Indonesia is moving to establish direct durian exports to China, seeking to eliminate intermediary trade through Thailand and Malaysia and boost national earnings.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono said current shipments often pass through Thailand before reaching China, leaving Indonesia with only around 10% of the final value. Direct exports, he noted, could raise returns to about 30%.

Talks between Indonesian and Chinese agricultural authorities have begun to develop export protocols enabling this shift. According to Indonesia’s Central Bureau of Statistics, the country exported 600 tons of durian in 2024 worth USD 1.8 million, while China imported a record 15.6 billion kg of the fruit that same year, valued at nearly USD 7 billion.

Officials believe that gaining direct access to China — the world’s largest durian market — could significantly expand opportunities for Indonesian growers and reduce dependence on regional intermediaries.

source: rri.co.id

photo: cnn.com