The Philippines has exported a batch of frozen durian worth PHP8.2 million (US$142,000) to China, marking its first shipment to the world’s largest market for the fruit.
Specifically, 1,050 boxes of frozen durian pulp and 300 boxes of paste were sent earlier this month by Maylong Enterprises Corporation, a company based in Davao City, the Philippines' Department of Agriculture said last Thursday.

Maylong was the first Philippine company to receive approval from China’s General Administration of Customs to export frozen durian to that market, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

May Li, the firm’s chief operating officer, said Maylong is committed to supporting Filipino farmers, particularly durian growers in Davao, in gaining access to international markets.

"Our goal is to bridge the gap between local farmers and the global stage, ensuring that Philippine durian earns the recognition it truly deserves," she said, as quoted by the Philippine News Agency.

Durian is one of the country’s fastest-growing exports, and Davao is the leading producer, accounting for more than two-thirds of the total output, according to the latest government data.

Macario Gonzaga, the agriculture department’s Region XI executive director, said: "From the fertile soils of Davao Region to China’s bustling markets, our frozen durian represents the hopes and dreams of countless farmers."

Last year, China imported a record $6.99 billion worth of durians, the South China Morning Post reported.

Thailand accounted for $4 billion, or 57% of the market, while Vietnam exported $2.9 billion for a 41.5% share.

Malaysia, which received approval to export fresh durians to China last June and sent its first batch in August, shipped $5.7 million.

The Philippines had the smallest share at $32.5 million, but this still marked a 144% increase from 2023.

Source: VnExpress