Malaysian Durians Conquer Global Markets

Malaysian durians are gaining worldwide recognition, from China to Europe and the US, as exports have surged in recent years, driven by rising demand. 

From 2020 to 2024, durian exports from Malaysia to Europe increased by 162%, while those to North America and the Middle East grew by 5.2% and 8.8% respectively, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu, as reported by The Star. 

This expansion, he explained, resulted from concerted initiatives to broaden export markets and highlight Malaysia’s premium durian varieties, especially Musang King, which continues to enjoy strong global demand. 

China continues to be the main export destination, with shipment valued at RM1.19 billion ($284 million), followed by Hong Kong (RM101 million) and Singapore (RM76 million). 

Malaysian durians are now shipped to over 40 countries, including Canada, Japan, South Korea, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, France and Spain. 

Malaysian women's doubles Pearly Tan–Thinaah Muralitharan reached their seventh final of the year after beating local hopes Yuki Fukushima–Mayu Matsumoto 24-22, 23-21 in the Kumamoto Masters last four in Japan today. 

The Japanese pair saved seven match points in the second game when trailing 20-13 to draw level, but world No. 2 Pearly-Thinaah held their nerve to prevail. 

The victory extended Pearly-Thinaah's head-to-head record to 5-1 against Yuki-Mayu.