In a landmark development for agricultural trade, Indonesia is set to export frozen durian to China starting in 2025, following the easing of import restrictions between the two nations. This agreement marks a significant milestone in the 75-year diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and China, highlighting the growing demand for durian, a fruit that has captivated Chinese consumers. According to Channel News Asia, the Chinese market for durian has been expanding rapidly, with imports from Southeast Asia reaching nearly $7 billion last year.
The initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries amid tensions with the United States. The Chinese government has committed to opening its market further to durian imports, recognizing the fruit's popularity and potential for fostering goodwill in the region.
In Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi, where durian orchards flourish, the local economy is poised to benefit significantly from this trade. The region is known for its Musang King durian, a variety that originated in Thailand but is now widely cultivated in Indonesia and Vietnam. These durians typically weigh between 3 to 5 kilograms and are prized for their sweet, creamy flesh.
Currently, Indonesian durians are exported to China via Thailand, which adds considerable time and cost to the shipping process. However, with plans to ship directly from the port of Pantoloan in Palu, Central Sulawesi, the transit time could be reduced to just one week, compared to a month when routed through Thailand. Muhammad Tahir, Director of PT Ammar Durian Indonesia, noted that shipping costs could also be halved by bypassing Thailand.
As Indonesia prepares for this new export venture, stringent regulations imposed by China require Indonesian farmers and suppliers to comply with high standards of agricultural practices and traceability throughout the supply chain. Ahmad Mansuri Alfi'an, head of the Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center in Central Sulawesi, explained that an application has been developed to track durian shipments using barcodes, ensuring transparency and quality control from the farm to the market.
PT Silvia Amerta Jaya, one of the 14 durian processing factories in Parigi Moutong, is actively seeking certification to export fresh durian directly to China. The company has established a network of 500 local farmers and is eager to expand durian cultivation in the region. Ni Made Ayu Ningsih, the company's director, expressed the need for more land to grow durian, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in agricultural development.
Despite having around 187,500 durian trees in Central Sulawesi, only 10% have received assistance from local agricultural offices, leaving many farmers relying on traditional farming methods. "We hope farmers will have access to drones and modern agricultural tools, which means we need to adjust the budget provided by local governments," said I Wayan Wardika, an analyst from the Department of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantation in Parigi Moutong.
Analysts believe that the strong diplomatic relationship between Indonesia and China will facilitate direct durian exports. In November of last year, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited China shortly after taking office, where he discussed agricultural protocols, including durian exports. Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Wang Lutong, noted the growing popularity of Indonesian food and fruit in China, highlighting the potential for increased trade.
The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture has identified over 100 local durian varieties, with five premium types recognized for their high export potential. Liferdi Lukman, Director of Fruits and Ornamental Plants at the Ministry, revealed that a program was initiated in 2024 to plant durians across five provinces, aiming to boost global market presence. Indonesia currently produces about 1.2 million tons of durian annually, primarily for domestic consumption.
Meanwhile, Thailand is also ramping up its durian exports to China, with Commerce Minister Phichai Naripthaphan recently discussing agricultural trade with Mr. Shi Yugang, Deputy Director of the China National People's Congress. Thailand's durian production is projected to increase by 37% in 2025, reaching an estimated 1.76 million tons. Phichai emphasized the need for expedited import processes to meet the growing demand in China, especially during the peak harvesting season in April and May.
To facilitate this, Thailand has requested China to enhance inspection efficiency and extend operating hours at border checkpoints. Phichai also urged China to consider purchasing 280,000 tons of rice under a government-to-government agreement, reflecting Thailand's significant rice production capacity.
The trade relationship between Thailand and Yunnan, a province in China, is valued at approximately $1.845 billion, with Thailand exporting a variety of products, including fruits, computer parts, and pharmaceuticals, while importing machinery and chemicals from Yunnan. Phichai expressed confidence in the strong partnership between the two nations, stating, "China is a major market, and we are committed to ensuring smooth exports of our agricultural products."
