China is the “promised land” for the global durian industry, as the country consumes more than 85% of the world’s durian production each year. The race for durian market share in China is heating up as many countries continuously report “good news” in exporting durians to this market.
The growth rate of the fresh durian import market in China has continuously set records for four consecutive years. In 2024, the country imported about 1.56 million tons of fresh durian, worth 6.99 billion USD, a record high.
In April alone this year, China imported over 61,000 tons of durian, worth 345.2 million USD. This is a more than 270% increase compared to March 2025, according to Produce Report. The average price was 5.64 USD/kg, the highest in 13 months, indicating a strong recovery in consumption after a period of decline.
China consumes more than 85% of the world’s durian production each year.
The continuous expansion of this market is accompanied by an open policy for importing fresh durians from many Southeast Asian countries. If before 2022, Thailand was dominant in the supply of durian to China, now the situation has changed.
Vietnam officially joined the game in 2022, followed by the Philippines in 2023 and Malaysia in 2024. This year, Indonesia has made new progress in negotiating the export of durian to China. Laos is also making efforts to complete technical procedures to join the game.
Vietnam had a spectacular year with export growth reaching 2.94 billion USD in 2024, an increase of 37.6% compared to 2023. Vietnam’s market share rose to 42.1%, narrowing the gap with Thailand. The entry of numerous Southeast Asian countries has made the race for durian market share in China more difficult than ever.
If in 2023, Thailand still held a 68% market share, by 2024, the figure dropped to only 57.4%. Adverse weather conditions caused a decline in both the volume and quality of Thai durians.
The Philippines and Malaysia, although newly joined, have accounted for about 0.5% of the market share.
Since the beginning of this year, China has tightened its quarantine and quality regulations. Each shipment exported to this country must undergo 100% inspection, with high standards for ripeness, food safety, and traceability.
This forces countries like Vietnam and Thailand to adapt to the demands of Chinese customers, also opening up opportunities for other “competitors” to enter this market.
Not only stopping at imports, China has also begun the process of self-production.
On the world map of durian, China is no longer the “piece of cake” for everyone. According to experts, the “durian war” will continue to heat up by the end of this year and in the coming years—not only in terms of quantity but also in quality, delivery speed, and the ability to adapt to the increasingly high demands of this market.