China’s durian imports rise 47 per cent in first half of 2026

China has reported a 47 per cent increase in durian imports over the first half of this year, according to customs data cited in a South China Morning Post report.  

The year-on-year growth was led by strong gains from Thailand and Malaysia as well as steady volumes out of Vietnam. According to customs data the South-East Asian nations sent over 1mn tonnes of the fruit in the first half of this year, up from 708,000 tonnes in the same time frame in 2025.  

Thailand’s exports were worth nearly US$3.79bn, up from US$2.56 last year. The country maintained its 81 per cent share of the market, which South China Morning Post reported was likely due to its mature logistics and quality-control infrastructure. Vietnam has steadily increased its durian exports since it gained access in 2022 but has faced some quality-control issues which have prevented explosive growth. Despite this, Vietnam holds 18 per cent of the market and sent US$846mn worth of durian to China in the first half of this year.  

Malaysia saw a significant 342 per cent growth in its durian export value in 2026 reaching US$30.26mn in the first six months of this year. 

The trade growth follows the recent expansion of the China-Laos Railway and ongoing improvements in e-commerce services which has supported South-East Asia’s durian industry.