Malaysian durian growers are grappling with an unusual problem this year: too much fruit. A bumper harvest across the country has led to a glut of durians on the domestic market, with prices falling to roughly half their 2025 levels during peak season, and reports of durians selling for under RM1 each at some points during the harvest. The surplus comes even as exports to China have surged, illustrating how rapidly growing production, as trees planted six to ten years ago reach maturity, has outpaced the ability of exporters to move fruit to overseas markets quickly enough.

To ease the glut, Malaysian officials have proposed a new overland export route to China by truck, which could carry significantly larger volumes than air freight and cut logistics costs by as much as 40 per cent, although the journey would take around 75 hours compared with roughly four hours by air. The plan requires regulatory approval from transit countries including Thailand and Vietnam. Industry figures describe the situation as one of the most challenging durian seasons in recent memory for growers, even as demand from Chinese consumers continues to grow strongly over the longer term.

By the Numbers

  • Domestic prices fell to roughly half of 2025 levels during peak season
  • Some durians reportedly sold for under RM1 each at points during the harvest

Why the Glut Happened

  • Trees planted six to ten years ago are now reaching maturity all at once
  • Export logistics have not kept pace with rapidly rising production

A Proposed Fix

  • Officials have proposed a new overland truck export route to China
  • Could cut logistics costs by as much as 40% compared with air freight
  • The truck journey would take around 75 hours versus roughly 4 hours by air
  • Requires approval from transit countries including Thailand and Vietnam