Cambodia and Malaysia accelerate durian exports to China as Vietnam faces peak harvest
Cambodia shipped a record 5,738 tonnes of durian to China in the first seven months of 2026, while Malaysia’s fresh durian export value rose 342% in the first half. Vietnam remains a much larger supplier, but an approaching 1.31 million-tonne harvest will intensify pressure on sales and quality control.
Cambodia gains a faster route to China
Cambodia exported a record 5,738 tonnes of durian to China during the first seven months of 2026, nearly 40 times its shipments for all of 2025, VietNamNet reported, citing Vietnam’s Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The increase followed the opening of a cross-border agricultural transport corridor through Laos at the end of June.
Under the new intermodal arrangement, Cambodian produce travels by road to Laos and then connects with the China-Laos railway. The route can reduce delivery time to about one week, compared with 15-20 days by sea. For a highly perishable fruit, the shorter journey may improve freshness and give Cambodian suppliers greater flexibility in reaching Chinese buyers.
Malaysia expands from a smaller base
Malaysia is also increasing its presence. Its fresh durian exports to China reached $30.26 million in the first half of 2026, up 342% from the same period of 2025, according to VietNamNet. Although Malaysia and Cambodia still operate at a smaller scale, their growth shows how quickly additional origins are entering China, described by the publication as the world’s largest durian import market.
The competition is developing as China reduces purchases from southern Thailand after unripe fruit was found in recent shipments. Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has introduced emergency measures to support consumption of about 300,000 tonnes of southern durian amid concerns over excess supply.
Thailand contends with larger output and weaker prices
Southern Thailand’s durian production is reported at about 752,515 tonnes this season, 30% above last year, with approximately 489,199 tonnes still unsold. Prices fell early in the season as Chinese demand weakened, while quality problems and competition from other producing countries added pressure.
Thai Monthong durian is currently priced at 85-105 baht per kilogram ($2.54-$3.14) for grades A and B. Grade C sells for 60-80 baht per kilogram ($1.79-$2.39), while grade D is quoted at 40-55 baht per kilogram ($1.20-$1.64). These price levels underline the commercial impact of slower Chinese buying during a season of expanding supply.
Vietnam approaches its main harvest window
Vietnam remains a substantially larger supplier. Its durian exports to China exceeded 288,000 tonnes in the first six months of 2026, rising 50.7% year on year. Their value was approximately $987 million, up 43.1%, and China accounted for 91% of Vietnam’s total durian export revenue. The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association estimated that nationwide durian exports reached $1.8 billion in the first seven months.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment forecasts national production of 2.08 million tonnes in 2026. Farmers had harvested 768,000 tonnes by the end of July, leaving an expected 1.31 million tonnes for the final five months. The Central Highlands alone is projected to supply 850,000 tonnes, with harvesting concentrated from August through October.
That calendar will place processors, traders and exporters under mounting pressure to move fruit while maintaining compliance and quality. More than 90% of Vietnam’s durian export revenue depends on China, leaving the industry highly exposed to changes in Chinese demand or import policy. Thailand’s unsold stocks and the rapid growth of Cambodian and Malaysian shipments add further competition just as Vietnam’s largest production volumes enter the market.
