China started growing durian on its own, but what were the results?

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - After many years of trial cultivation, domestically grown durian in China has officially been launched on the market on a large scale. This year's durian production is expected to reach nearly 2,000 tons.

China – the market that consumes over 85% of the world's durian production each year – is rapidly expanding the cultivated area of ​​many of Vietnam's key export fruits such as dragon fruit and durian. After about 10 years, China's dragon fruit cultivation area has surpassed that of Vietnam.

Regarding durian, China has been experimenting with cultivation on Hainan Island since 2019. By 2024, the country had expanded the planting area to 2,700 hectares. Besides Hainan, provinces such as Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan are also actively promoting large-scale durian cultivation.

According to the Import-Export Department ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ), the Hainan durian industry is experiencing strong growth in the Chinese market. Hainan durians have the advantage of natural ripening, requiring less long-distance transportation, thick flesh, sweetness, and a less pungent smell compared to imported durians.

The durian harvest season in Hainan Island typically runs from late June to early July, with the main varieties being Monthong, Musang King, Kanyao, and a small amount of black thorn durian. Expected durian production this year is nearly 2,000 tons, several times more than the first harvest in 2023.

The main durian varieties grown in China are Monthong, Musang King, Kanyao, and a small amount of black thorny durian (Photo: CCTV).

"However, this industry also faces many challenges, including uneven farming techniques, poor fruit quality due to early harvesting and inadequate processing, and risks from weather conditions such as storms," ​​the Import-Export Department assessed.

The growth of Hainan durian poses a challenge to traditional durian exporting countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. To maintain their position, authorities suggest that exporting businesses need to focus on improving the quality and freshness of their products.

Some experts believe that Hainan durian is unlikely to completely replace imported durian due to its origin and distinctive flavor. The Chinese durian market remains very large, with ample room for both domestic and imported durian to coexist.

According to statistics from the Customs Department, Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports in June reached US$806.9 million, an increase of 20.7% compared to June 2024. This is the highest monthly export value of fruits and vegetables since the beginning of the year. Overall, total fruit and vegetable exports in the first six months reached US$3.1 billion, a decrease of 6.7% compared to the same period last year.

According to the Import-Export Department, in June, fruit and vegetable exports saw an impressive breakthrough, driven by the recovery of durian. Durian exports have become vibrant again, not only to the Chinese market but also to Thailand. Key durian-growing regions such as the Central Highlands and the Southeast – areas with low cadmium contamination rates – have resulted in a higher proportion of goods meeting export standards.

At the same time, businesses are proactively checking quality from the orchards and tightening the purchasing and packaging process. Disruptions in durian supply between growing regions in Thailand have increased the demand for imports from Vietnam. Besides durian, many other products such as coconuts, passion fruit, and processed mangoes also saw positive growth in June.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/kinh-doanh/trung-quoc-tu-trong-sau-rieng-ket-qua-ra-sao-20250727001408001.htm