durian

Malaysian durian farmers are facing challenges due to climate change impacts on their crops while targeting China's growing market.

Malaysian durian growers like Stephen Chow face financial losses due to climate change impacts, rising fuel and fertilizer costs, and competition from Thailand and Vietnam in China's booming durian market. Extreme weather events and oversupply have reduced yields and prices for premium varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn.

China executed its first outbound digital yuan (e-CNY) payment to Malaysia, settling a 43,000 yuan shipment of fresh durian. The transaction, coordinated by China Construction Bank’s Xiamen and Labuan branches, aims to expand cross-border clearing networks in Southeast Asia outside the SWIFT system.

China’s durian imports from Thailand and Malaysia increased by 47% in the first half of 2026, with Thailand capturing an 81% market share by exporting nearly $3.79 billion worth of the fruit. The surge is attributed to a surplus in Southeast Asia, which has driven down durian prices.

Singapore's durian supply from Malaysia's Johor state is decreasing, causing prices to rise after an initial surplus. Sellers report the era of heavily discounted durians and free giveaways has ended, with limited supply remaining.

Falling durian prices in Malaysia have not prevented thefts, as a Penang trader named Wenny Ooi reported two break-ins at her family’s stall targeting Black Thorn durians. Surveillance footage showed a thief stealing one basket during the first incident on June 25, with a second theft occurring on June 29.

Malaysia is experiencing a 'durian tsunami' due to a bumper harvest, causing prices for the premium Musang King durian to drop significantly. Consumers are benefiting from the oversupply, which has made the fruit more affordable until August. Administrative executive Lim Mei Ling highlighted the price drop as a positive change, allowing her to purchase and store the durian more freely.