Durian is a promising export item. It can take advantage of
lower tariffs in the world market and trade liberalization under
World Trade Organization (WTO). Global demand, particularly
in Asia, offers a bright opportunity for the industry. Commercial
production of durian in Southeast Asia is concentrated largely
in Thailand and many parts of Malaysia. Indonesia's production
has been growing significantly and is also reaching the export
market. The Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations also
produce durian commercially, but at much smaller levels and
mostly for domestic markets. Trade statistics indicate enormous
potential for durian.
Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore are major importers of durian,
accounting for 90% of total exports from Malaysia, Thailand
and Indonesia. Singapore is the largest export market, absorbing
65% of total durian exports. Hong Kong is the second largest
market for fresh durian in the world, accounting for 20% of
global exports, 99% of which is supplied by Thailand.
Fresh Durian Export in Asia ( 1995 to
August 1996)
Import
Export
Vol. in MT
Vol. in US$
PESO Value
Singapore
Thailand, Malaysia
36,745
$ 35.66 M
P 927.16 M
Hongkong
Indonesia, Thailand
16,819
HK$ 201.00 M
P 680.2 M
Taiwan
Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia
3,225
$ 000.560 M
P 145.76 M
Taiwan imports fresh durian mainly from Thailand, although a
few durians are also imported from Indonesia and Malaysia. However,
United States' import of fresh and frozen durian has been increasing
more than any other non-Asian country, while Canada is still
the largest non-Asia market for fresh durian. Thailand supplies
the vast majority to both destinations. The European market
for durian is relatively small. France is the largest European
importer of fresh and frozen durian. Thailand remains a predominant
supplier in the European market.
