Vietnam's Import-Export Department, citing the Philippine Durian Exporters Association, said the country has around 15,000 hectares of durian plantations, with output projected to reach 150,000 tonnes in the 2026-2027 season. An estimated 40-50 per cent of production is considered suitable for export.
A shop selling durian in Davao City, the Philippines (Photo: PNA).
China remains the Philippines' main export market for durian, accounting for about 90 per cent of total shipments. However, Philippine durian currently holds less than 1 per cent of the Chinese market.
According to the association, Thailand dominates China's durian market with its Monthong variety. Vietnam also exports Monthong durian to China, while Malaysia has successfully established the Musang King brand among Chinese consumers.
To improve its competitiveness, the Philippines is planning to develop the Golden Puyat durian variety as a distinctive export product.
In addition to China, Philippine exporters are targeting Singapore and Japan while seeking to expand sales to Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.
In Vietnam, customs data showed fruit and vegetable exports to China reached more than USD 3.87 billion in the first eight months of the year, up 38.8 per cent from a year earlier and accounting for 62.97 per cent of total exports in the sector.
Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exporters also recorded growth in other markets, including the United States, where exports rose 17.9 per cent, South Korea 9.7 per cent, Japan 5.8 per cent and the Netherlands 38.2 per cent.
Exports are expected to continue rising in the final months of the year. During September and October, durian supplies from the Central Highlands enter the final stage of the harvest season. Vietnam's exclusive approval to export fresh durian to China during this period is expected to help maintain fruit and vegetable export revenues above USD 1 billion per month.
In November and December, demand for food products ahead of year-end holidays and Lunar New Year celebrations typically increases in China, South Korea, Japan, Europe and the United States. As the fresh durian season ends, key products such as dragon fruit, fresh coconuts, passion fruit, pomelos and mangoes, along with processed fruit and vegetable products including dried, frozen and canned goods, are expected to support export earnings.
However, the Import-Export Department said the sector should remain alert as China and other importing markets continue to tighten inspections of pesticide residues, planting area codes and packaging standards.