Durian export to China begins, more in the pipeline

Durian export to China begins, more in the pipeline

The first batch of 17 tonnes of fresh durians has been officially exported following an inspection and quality certification conducted by Ministry of Agriculture.

Cambodia Saturday officially exported its first shipment of over 17 tonnes of durian to the Chinese market, said the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

It is expected to arrive in China within nine days. If all goes according to plan, three more containers of Cambodian durian will be ready for export next week.

According to MAFF, the first official durian export to China was carried out by HF Fruit Company Limited in partnership with a Chinese company. The export follows the official inauguration of this company on May 1, 2025, in Tbong Khmum province.

Before granting export approval, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) conducted a thorough assessment to ensure compliance with phytosanitary and safety standards. As a result, 112 durian farms and 30 packing facilities in Cambodia were registered.

HF Fruit Company Limited will continue exporting tens of tonnes of durian to the Chinese market and the company will purchase the fruit based on size and quality, paying farmers at actual market price, MAFF said.

Khim Finan, Spokesman for MAFF, confirmed that the first batch of more than 17 tonnes of fresh Cambodian durians has been exported to the Chinese market. The shipment followed quality certification by MAFF, in line with the export protocol agreed upon with China.

“This is another success for Cambodia’s fresh fruit exports to a high-potential market,” Finan said, adding, “It is also a result of strong cooperation between the two governments and the private sector.”

Cambodia currently has over 11,000 hectares of durian cultivation, with more than 7,000 hectares in harvest, yielding over 120,000 tonnes annually. In Tbong Khmum province alone, there are 950 hectares of durian plantations, including 685 hectares in harvest, producing around 10,000 tonnes per year.

In early May, HF Fruit Company Limited officially inaugurated its durian packing facility in Tbong Khmum’s Tbong Khmum district, aiming to serve the Chinese market and other international partners.

Heng Pisith, Director of the Tbong Khmum Provincial Department of Agriculture, said that previously, most durians were exported to Thailand and Vietnam, but now Cambodia also exports to the Chinese market.

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