Southeast Asia’s China-focused durian producers are concerned about a looming supply glut and economic headwinds that may dull China’s appetite for imported fruit, but they have shrugged off the impact of China’s durian self-sufficiency drive.
Advertisement
For several years, major durian exporters from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries have congregated at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai to sniff out new orders.
Few say they are concerned about the competition from Chinese durians, such as those grown in Hainan province.
“China has good technologies but unlike Malaysia, little arable land throughout China is suitable for durian cultivation,” said Jeremy Chin, managing director and co-founder of LKE Group, a Kuala Lumpur-based durian trader.
“Even though Hainan is tipped as a good locale, its geology and climate constraints mean the cost of plantation and then retail prices will be much higher … it does not have the combination of tech, geography and climate like in Malaysia.
Advertisement
“Durian self-reliance is a tall task for China. It may still rely on imports.”