China experienced a significant 69% surge in durian imports in 2023, reaching 1.4 million tonnes. However, its primary supplier, Thailand, witnessed a decline in market share, dropping from almost 100% in 2021 to 67.98% in 2023. This shift is attributed to China's decision to allow durian exports from Vietnam and the Philippines. Vietnam made substantial inroads into the Chinese market, with its share rising from 4.6% in 2022 to 31.8% in 2023, totaling $2.1 billion. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization highlighted that Vietnamese durian exports globally increased from less than 1% in 2021 to 4.9% in 2022. Vietnam aims for $3.5 billion in durian turnover in 2024, with over 90% of exports destined for China.
The Philippines secured a modest share of China's durian market, exporting fresh durians since last year. Philippine durian exports to China totaled $1.88 million from January to June 2023, representing a 0.2% share of China's durian imports by US dollar value. China is also increasing domestic durian production, with Hainan reporting its first successful crop. Malaysian durian exporters are exploring opportunities to export fresh durians to China, potentially mirroring the success of Thailand and Vietnam.