The global durian trade is undergoing a significant shift in 2025 as China, the world’s largest consumer of durians, imposes stricter import regulations. The new safety and quality protocols—particularly targeting harmful substances—have resulted in a sharp decline in durian imports, sending shockwaves across major exporting countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and emerging players like Malaysia and Cambodia.

Key Developments in the Durian Export Landscape

The first five months of 2025 saw China’s durian imports drop by 32.9% in volume and 32.5% in value, disrupting supply chains and triggering price crashes in producing countries. The regulatory changes require shipments to be accompanied by lab test results confirming the absence of Basic Yellow 2, a carcinogenic dye, which has been flagged in past inspections.

Thailand and Vietnam, which dominate the durian export market to China, have been heavily affected. Vietnam’s exports declined by 62%, while Thailand saw a 24% drop. In response, both countries are now overhauling their quality control and customs procedures to regain market confidence.

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Durian Export Market Snapshot – 2025

Category	Details
China Import Decline	-32.9% in volume, -32.5% in value (Jan–May 2025)
Thailand Exports to China	Declined by 24% due to stricter inspections
Vietnam Exports to China	Dropped sharply by 62%
New Chinese Regulations	Mandatory lab reports to prove absence of Basic Yellow 2
Inspection Impact	Slower customs clearances and increased shipment delays
Thailand’s Response	Expanded testing labs, faster border clearance processes
Vietnam’s Response	Improved quality control, extended customs working hours
China’s Durian Market Size	Previously ~$7 billion in annual imports
Emerging Exporters	Malaysia (now exporting fresh durians), Cambodia, Indonesia
Local Market Challenge	Vietnam’s Mekong Delta: prices fell to ~$1.15/kg amid high input costs
Culinary Trends	Rise in durian-themed tourism & premium product placement in China

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Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

While Thailand and Vietnam work to adapt to the regulatory shift, Malaysia has entered the fresh durian export market to China, following a newly signed export protocol. Countries like Cambodia and Indonesia are also seeking to fill the gap left by the traditional exporters.

Interestingly, even amidst regulatory disruptions, Vietnamese durians are gaining popularity in Chinese supermarkets and upscale restaurants, indicating continued demand for high-quality produce. Tourism and durian-themed experiences—like all-you-can-eat tours—are also thriving, especially during the harvest season.

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Conclusion

The tightening of China’s import regulations has become a watershed moment for the global durian trade. Countries that can swiftly adapt to the new standards and streamline logistics will likely gain a competitive edge. As the market evolves, balancing food safety, speed, and quality assurance will be key to sustaining durian exports to China.