Durian 2026: a big win, and big worries too

Oct 19, 2026, Market watch

Durian 2026: a big win, and big worries too.

In nine months, fruit and vegetable exports reached USD 7.35 billion, up nearly 20% year on year. September alone passed USD 1 billion, for the third consecutive month. A record USD 10 billion is in sight. Durian contributed USD 3.5 billion, up 52% year on year. But planted area has already reached 200,000 hectares, double the old plan. As output rises, prices fall with it. 63% of fruit and vegetables go to a single market: when China sneezes, it hurts. Freezing is not an option. It is the way out. Fresh fruit is gone once the season ends. Frozen fruit sells all year round, and travels far, to India, Europe, the US. More value from the same fruit. People who work in frozen produce sell time. They do not have to sell in a hurry.

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