Exports of fresh durians from Malaysia to China are slated to commence in the third quarter of 2024, as confirmed by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. This development follows the signing of the Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for the Export of Fresh Durian from Malaysia, which occurred during Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit in June.
The protocol specifies that only durian farms and packing facilities registered with the Department of Agriculture, adhering to myGAP standards, and approved by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), will be eligible for export. The minister anticipates a two to three-month approval process with the GACC before exports can begin. This announcement was made in response to an inquiry regarding efforts to expedite fresh durian exports to China.
Additionally, the ministry is finalizing the phytosanitary certificate format with the GACC and submitting a list of qualified farms and facilities for export approval. In 2022, durians represented 58.6% of Malaysia’s total fruit export value, amounting to RM2.01 billion.
This move is expected to boost Malaysia’s agricultural sector significantly, given the high demand for durians in China. With these exports, Malaysia aims to solidify its position as a leading exporter of the “king of fruits” and capitalize on the lucrative Chinese market. The adherence to stringent phytosanitary standards ensures that the exported durians meet the quality and safety expectations of Chinese consumers, thereby fostering trust and strengthening trade relations between the two countries.