Malaysian frozen durian exports recorded a decline in 2024 as producers switched to exporting fresh durian to China after new market access opened in June 2024, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu.
The strengthening of the ringgit over a period of time also affected the competitiveness of the country's premium durian in the international market.
China remains the largest market for Malaysian durian, but frozen durian exports decreased from 26,923 metric tons worth RM1.309 billion in 2023 to 21,096 metric tons worth RM993 million in 2024.
The decline was driven by overall durian production which fell to 568,807 metric tons from 592,053 metric tons a year earlier, despite increasing global demand.
Mohamad explained that the challenge of consistently producing high-quality durian that meets phytosanitary standards is still affecting export supplies, with some harvests unable to be shipped overseas due to quality issues at the farm level.
Malaysia also faces stiff competition from major exporters such as Thailand and Vietnam. Vietnam's market share in China is expected to increase from 30 percent to 40 percent in 2024, while Thailand's decline is expected from 68 percent to 57 percent.
Malaysia's market share remains modest at around three to five percent.
To strengthen competitiveness, the ministry, through FAMA and the Department of Agriculture, is tightening quality control and compliance. Measures include the implementation of Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (MyGAP), stricter phytosanitary inspections, export certification, and branding under the Best of Malaysia label.
The government is also intensifying promotions in key markets, exploring new export destinations, and increasing downstream processing to absorb excess supply and add value to the industry.
In a development related to fresh durian, Malaysia exported 413 metric tonnes to China worth RM24.8 million since August 2024.
