Malaysia strengthens durian export markets across Asia, Europe and North America

Malaysia is expanding its durian export footprint as demand for premium varieties like Musang King strengthens globally. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu reported that exports to Europe increased by 162% between 2020 and 2024, while shipments to North America and the Middle East rose 5.2% and 8.8%, respectively.

China remained the top destination in 2023 with imports valued at RM1.19 billion (≈ USD 250 million), followed by Hong Kong (RM101 million ≈ USD 21 million), Singapore (RM76 million ≈ USD 16 million), Indonesia (RM58 million ≈ USD 12 million) and the United States (RM35.4 million ≈ USD 7.4 million).

Total durian exports climbed from RM570.8 million (≈ USD 120 million) in 2020 to RM1.51 billion (≈ USD 320 million) in 2023, before easing to RM1.18 billion (≈ USD 247 million) in 2024.

Malaysia now exports durians to over 40 countries, including Canada, Japan, South Korea, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and several European markets.

To support continued growth, the government is helping orchards obtain myGAP certification, a requirement for export. To date, 1,933 farms have been certified. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, RM45 million (≈ USD 9.5 million) has been allocated for new planting and replanting across 9,400 hectares. Meanwhile, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority is expanding global trade links and conducting trial shipments to the UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, supported by branding campaigns such as “Malaysia’s Best” and “Taste of Malaysia.”

source: brownfieldagnews.com

photo: medium.com