On July 18, 2025, Cambodia marked a significant milestone in its agricultural export sector by sending its first batch of fresh durian directly to China. This shipment, weighing over 17 tons, was transported from Cambodia's southeastern Tboung Khmum province to Shenzhen City in Guangdong Province, southern China, via the Sihanoukville Port. The journey is expected to take approximately nine days, with the shipment anticipated to reach its destination by the end of the month.
This event represents more than just a commercial transaction; it highlights the strengthening ties and successful cooperation between the Cambodian and Chinese governments and their private sectors. According to Khim Finan, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the durians were thoroughly inspected and certified for quality by the Cambodian ministry before export, ensuring they meet China's stringent import standards.
Durian, often dubbed the "king of fruits" in Southeast Asia due to its distinctive aroma and rich flavor, has become the fifth fresh fruit from Cambodia to be approved for export to the Chinese market. Prior to durian, Cambodia had already gained approval to export bananas, mangoes, longans, and fresh coconuts to China. This expansion into durian exports opens new economic avenues for Cambodian farmers and exporters, tapping into the vast and growing demand for exotic fruits in China.
The approval for direct durian exports came after the General Administration of Customs of China certified several Cambodian durian farms and packaging factories earlier in July 2025. This certification process was crucial, as it allowed Cambodian producers to bypass intermediaries and export fresh durian directly, reducing transit times and preserving fruit quality upon arrival.
The shipment's departure from Sihanoukville Port, Cambodia's primary deep-water seaport, underscores the strategic importance of this facility in bolstering Cambodia's export capabilities. The port has been pivotal in facilitating trade between Cambodia and international markets, particularly China, which is one of Cambodia's largest trading partners.
For Cambodia, a country where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy and employment, diversifying export products and entering high-demand markets like China is a significant achievement. The durian export not only enhances Cambodia's agricultural profile but also promises to boost rural incomes and stimulate local economies, especially in provinces like Tboung Khmum, where durian cultivation is becoming more prevalent.
Moreover, this development reflects the broader trend of increasing agricultural cooperation between Cambodia and China, which has been growing steadily over recent years. The partnership includes technical support, investment in farming infrastructure, and joint efforts to meet international quality standards, all aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Cambodian agricultural products.
Consumers in China have shown an increasing appetite for tropical fruits, with durian being particularly popular despite its polarizing smell. The fruit's creamy texture and unique taste have made it a sought-after delicacy in many Chinese cities, driving demand that exporters like Cambodia are eager to satisfy.
However, exporting fresh durian is not without challenges. The fruit's perishable nature requires efficient logistics and proper packaging to maintain freshness during transit. The newly certified packaging factories in Cambodia play a critical role in this regard, employing modern techniques to ensure the durians arrive in optimal condition.
Looking ahead, the successful shipment of this initial batch could pave the way for increased volumes of durian and potentially other fresh fruits from Cambodia entering the Chinese market. This could have a transformative effect on Cambodia's agricultural export landscape, fostering sustainable growth and deeper economic integration with China.
As Khim Finan noted, this export is "another success of the agricultural cooperation between the two countries," highlighting the fruits of collaborative efforts in regulatory alignment, quality assurance, and trade facilitation. It also sends a positive signal to Cambodian farmers and exporters about the opportunities that lie ahead.
In sum, Cambodia’s first direct export of fresh durian to China is a landmark event that showcases the country’s growing agricultural capabilities and the strength of its bilateral ties with China. It reflects a shared commitment to expanding trade, improving quality standards, and meeting consumer demand in one of the world's largest markets.
