Story perspectives

China's Durian Demand Disrupts Malaysia's Frozen Export Market

2/10/2026

Left

Liew Jia Soon's Durian Dilemma

China's booming demand for durian led Liew Jia Soon, who runs his family's durian farm in Malaysia, to return in 2018 to manage the farm.
The farm has expanded significantly since his return.
Profits have dwindled as Chinese buyers now prefer fresh durians over the frozen shipments Malaysia typically exports.
This shift has created turmoil in Malaysia's durian industry, despite China's ongoing appetite.

Right

Indonesia Exports Durian

Indonesia has begun direct frozen durian exports to China.
The Indonesian Quarantine Agency finalized an export protocol after nearly two years of negotiations with China's General Administration of Customs, enabling direct shipments and reducing logistics costs.
Eight packing houses are certified for export, primarily in Central Sulawesi.
The Chinese market is worth about $8 billion annually, offering up to 12.8 trillion rupiah in potential earnings.

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Liew Jia Soon's Durian Dilemma

China's booming demand for durian led Liew Jia Soon, who runs his family's durian farm in Malaysia, to return in 2018 to manage the farm.
The farm has expanded significantly since his return.
Profits have dwindled as Chinese buyers now prefer fresh durians over the frozen shipments Malaysia typically exports.
This shift has created turmoil in Malaysia's durian industry, despite China's ongoing appetite.

1 / 2