Negotiations ongoing with South-East Asian neighbours to expand supply chain options for exporters
Malaysia has entered into multinational negotiations to secure better access to China for its durian exporters.
According to a report from the Malay Mail, the government is working with other South-East Asian countries to secure new road and rail export routes for Malaysian fruit.
Durian shipments travelling north by land would take only three to four days to reach China, offering a viable alternative to current air and ocean routes.
Agriculture and food security minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the initiative aimed to give exporters a more efficient and cost-effective alternative, adding the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) was working closely with the Foreign Ministry and Transport Ministry to coordinate cross-border routes through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
“Overland shipments are expected to take only three to four days, allowing goods, particularly durians, to reach the Chinese market quickly. Malaysian durians are very popular among consumers in China, but sometimes they find it difficult to obtain them at more affordable prices,” he told the Malaysian parliament.
Negotiations began on 20 July, but Mohamad Sabu said discussions were challenging given all four countries also export to China.
In 2025, Malaysia exported 18,370 tonnes of durian products to China, with fresh durian exports alone valued at about RM150.6mn (US$36.9mn).
