THe Musang King durian is nearly twice as expensive as other durians in the Malaysian market. Converted to Chinese currency, the price of Musang King durians is around 100 yuan [14.65 USD] per kg. Since Musang King durians commonly weigh around 2.5 kg, buying one on the Malaysian market will cost upward of 200 yuan [29.31 USD].
Durian for sale on the Malaysian market, with Musang King regularly sold out despite its high price
At present, Chinese consumers are unable to buy whole imported durians, only refrigerated pieces of durian. The Musang King is a unique regional product of Malaysia and since these durian are allowed to ripen and fall off the tree naturally, it is nearly impossible to transport them over long distances.
Price difference between regular durian and Musang King durian
Musang King durian
The Malaysian government requires plantation owners to refrigerate the naturally ripe Musang King durian at -18 degrees Celsius before export. This is the only way to guarantee that the characteristic flavor is preserved during transport.
Source: Iran (Airan Yingxiang)