KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — Malaysia is negotiating with Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia to establish overland transit routes for fresh durian exports to China as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs and improve access to the lucrative market.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the proposed land routes could cut delivery times to between three and four days, providing an alternative to costly air freight. He said the ministry is working with the Foreign Ministry and Transport Ministry to facilitate discussions with the four neighbouring countries.
“Durian is a favourite among Chinese consumers, but they sometimes find it difficult to get the fruit at a more affordable price,” he told Parliament. Mohamad said negotiations on transit arrangements have been ongoing since July 20, although discussions remain challenging because the countries involved are also major durian exporters to China.
Durian routes
In 2025, Malaysia exported 18,370 tonnes of durian products to China, with fresh durian exports valued at RM150.6 million. In the first half of this year alone, exports reached approximately RM124 million. Mohamad said the government is also exploring sea freight options, but acknowledged that longer transit times make it less suitable for consumers seeking fresh fruit.
Source: https://www.scmp.com/topics/malaysia?module=inline&pgtype=article
The minister said Malaysia is intensifying discussions on air and rail transportation to ensure fresher durians reach Chinese consumers more efficiently. He added that the proposed transit routes would strengthen the competitiveness of Malaysia’s premium durian industry and provide exporters with more reliable access to one of the world’s largest markets.
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Durian Routes

