China’s Demand for Imported Durians and Coconuts Drives Southeast Asian Exports
Rising Chinese appetite for premium tropical fruits boosts shipments from Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines ahead of Shanghai trade expo
China’s imports of tropical fruits such as durians and coconuts are increasing as mainland buyers seek high-quality produce amid a subdued consumption environment.
Southeast Asian growers, particularly in Malaysia and Thailand, are ramping up exports to meet this rising demand.
Malaysian fresh durians, introduced to the Chinese market in 2023, saw exports valued at 24.8 million ringgit between August and December last year.
In the first four months of 2025, Malaysia’s durian exports to China grew tenfold, according to Malaysian agricultural data.
Thailand currently holds a 57 percent share of China’s 6.99 billion US dollar durian market, based on figures from Chinese customs.
Logistics and warehousing systems are being expanded to support the influx of fruit into China, according to distributors attending a recent matchmaking meeting organized by the China International Import Expo (CIIE) Bureau in Shanghai.
The event aimed to connect global suppliers with Chinese buyers ahead of the CIIE’s annual trade show scheduled for November 5 to 10.
Chinese consumer preferences are shifting toward healthier and safer food options, which has sustained interest in imported fruits despite broader economic caution.
Companies like Goodfarmer Fresh Fruit Trading, which sources fruits from the Philippines and Vietnam, report continued strong demand for products such as durians and pineapples.
Traders at the CIIE meeting also signaled plans to introduce higher-quality coconuts and cherries at the upcoming expo.
The Chinese economy has been under deflationary pressure for two years due to low domestic demand and overcapacity.
However, inflation showed a slight uptick with a 0.1 percent increase in June on an annualized basis.
The CIIE, launched in 2018, remains a key platform for foreign businesses to showcase goods to Chinese buyers.
In 2024, deals worth 80 billion US dollars were signed during the six-day event, with food and agricultural products representing a significant portion.
Organizers reported that exhibitors have reserved 300,000 square meters of display space for this year’s event.
In 2024, more than 3,500 international companies participated in the show.
Southeast Asian growers, particularly in Malaysia and Thailand, are ramping up exports to meet this rising demand.
Malaysian fresh durians, introduced to the Chinese market in 2023, saw exports valued at 24.8 million ringgit between August and December last year.
In the first four months of 2025, Malaysia’s durian exports to China grew tenfold, according to Malaysian agricultural data.
Thailand currently holds a 57 percent share of China’s 6.99 billion US dollar durian market, based on figures from Chinese customs.
Logistics and warehousing systems are being expanded to support the influx of fruit into China, according to distributors attending a recent matchmaking meeting organized by the China International Import Expo (CIIE) Bureau in Shanghai.
The event aimed to connect global suppliers with Chinese buyers ahead of the CIIE’s annual trade show scheduled for November 5 to 10.
Chinese consumer preferences are shifting toward healthier and safer food options, which has sustained interest in imported fruits despite broader economic caution.
Companies like Goodfarmer Fresh Fruit Trading, which sources fruits from the Philippines and Vietnam, report continued strong demand for products such as durians and pineapples.
Traders at the CIIE meeting also signaled plans to introduce higher-quality coconuts and cherries at the upcoming expo.
The Chinese economy has been under deflationary pressure for two years due to low domestic demand and overcapacity.
However, inflation showed a slight uptick with a 0.1 percent increase in June on an annualized basis.
The CIIE, launched in 2018, remains a key platform for foreign businesses to showcase goods to Chinese buyers.
In 2024, deals worth 80 billion US dollars were signed during the six-day event, with food and agricultural products representing a significant portion.
Organizers reported that exhibitors have reserved 300,000 square meters of display space for this year’s event.
In 2024, more than 3,500 international companies participated in the show.
