KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — Malaysia exported fresh durians and durian ‘pulp and paste’ to the Chinese market, totalling 115,359 metric tonnes worth RM6.37 billion from 2018 to 2025, based on the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for durian exports.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) said the nation recorded exports of durian pulp and paste totalling 3,555 metric tonnes, valued at RM202 million, in 2018.
Malaysia began exporting frozen whole durians in June 2019, with 3,177 metric tonnes (RM143 million) exported, while pulp and paste increased to 5,239 metric tonnes (RM168 million).
“In 2020, frozen whole durian exports rose to 6,225 metric tonnes (RM286 million), while pulp and paste declined to 3,456 metric tonnes (RM171 million),” it said in a written reply on the Dewan Rakyat website today.
In 2021, frozen whole durian exports to China doubled to 12,153 metric tonnes (RM577 million), while pulp and paste also increased to 5,895 metric tonnes (RM368 million).
MAFS was responding to Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin's query on the total metric tonnes and trade value of frozen durians, fresh durians, and durian pulp and paste exports to China from 2018 to 2025.
It added that frozen whole durian exports to China continued to rise, reaching 13,401 metric tonnes (RM1.277 billion), while pulp and paste exports slightly decreased to 5,703 metric tonnes (RM326 million) in 2022.
In 2023, frozen whole durian exports to China totalled 13,983 metric tonnes (RM738 million), while pulp and paste exports more than doubled to 12,321 metric tonnes (RM623 million).
The ministry also reported that Malaysia began exporting fresh whole durians, frozen whole durian exports, and pulp and paste to China starting in August 2024.
“Frozen whole durians are still being exported (in 2025), but decreased to 8,518 metric tonnes worth RM418 million, while pulp and paste exports declined to 11,611 metric tonnes worth RM579 million.
“As of June 2025, fresh durian exports to China have increased to 773 metric tonnes worth nearly RM50 million, frozen whole durians at 3,599 metric tonnes (RM183 million), and ‘pulp and paste’ at 5,241 metric tonnes (RM230 million),” it said.
MAFS noted that, via the Agriculture Department, it remains committed to exploring new opportunities and expanding Malaysian durian markets to other markets like Taiwan and Peru, alongside China.
The projected export value of Malaysian durians in 2030 is expected to reach RM1.8 billion, involving an export volume of 69,000 metric tonnes.
“Currently, we are exploring new markets for durian products in Taiwan,” it said.
