Malaysia imports 5 times more Vietnamese durian

By Thi Ha January 8, 2026 | 09:05 pm PT

Musang King durian harvested at an orchard in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho. Photo by Manh Khuong

Malaysia imported US$2.6 million worth of durian from Vietnam in the first 11 months of 2025, five times higher than the previous year, despite itself being a major producer of the fruit.

It was the fastest growing market for Vietnamese durian but only accounted for a tiny share of exports, according to customs data.

The second largest increase was seen in exports to Hong Kong, whose purchases doubled to $47 million.

Dang Phuc Nguyen, secretary general of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, said Malaysia usually imports Vietnamese durian to make up for a shortfall outside May-August, its main harvest period, while Hong Kong does not grow the fruit.

During the 11 months exports rose 17% year-on-year to $3.65 billion, with most of it going to China.

But exports plummeted in November as China and another top market, Thailand, cut imports.