Southeast Asian durian producers, focusing on the Chinese market, are facing potential challenges due to a possible supply glut and economic factors that might reduce China's demand for imported durians. Despite these concerns, the impact of China's efforts towards durian self-sufficiency seems minimal. Exporters from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and other regions have been active participants at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, seeking to secure new orders without much worry about competition from Chinese durians, notably those from Hainan province.
Jeremy Chin, managing director and co-founder of LKE Group, a durian trading company based in Kuala Lumpur, expressed confidence in the superiority of Southeast Asian durians over their Chinese counterparts. He pointed out that China, despite its technological advancements, lacks the ideal combination of technology, geography, and climate for durian cultivation that countries like Malaysia possess. Specifically, he mentioned that although Hainan is considered a potential site for durian farming, its geological and climatic conditions would likely lead to higher costs of plantation and retail prices. Chin concluded that achieving durian self-reliance would be a challenging task for China, suggesting continued reliance on imports.
Source: myNews