Cambodia Prepares for Durian Exports to China

According to a news report by the Khmer Times, 112 Cambodian durian orchards and 30 packing facilities have been approved by China’s General Administration of Customs and are preparing to begin exports of fresh durians to the Chinese market. On April 17 in Phnom Penh, the two countries signed a phytosanitary protocol for the export of fresh Cambodian durians to China, along with protocols concerning two other products, namely, edible bird’s nests and crocodiles.

On July 4, the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries urged all approved orchard and packing facility owners to strictly adhere to the requirements outlined in the protocol, including the prohibition of harmful substances, pesticides and banned chemicals. In addition, the ministry encouraged other orchards and packing facilities interested in exporting durians to China to promptly submit their applications for evaluation.

According to Khim Bunlene, founder and president of the King Durian Farm Community in Kampot province, growers seeking to enter international markets — particularly the Chinese market — must prioritize enhancing durian flavor, ensuring product safety and improving price competitiveness. He noted that despite the market opportunities, Cambodian durians may face challenges if prices are set too high.

Fresh durians are the ninth Cambodian agricultural product approved for direct export to China, following rice and rice husks, dry cassavas, corn kernels, bananas, mangos, longans, pepper and coconuts. There are nine provinces in Cambodia suitable for durian cultivation, namely, Kampot, Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong and Kampong Thom.

Even before Cambodian durians officially gained market access to China, several Chinese companies and importers had already begun investing in Cambodia’s durian sector. Following the approval, a promotional event for Cambodian agricultural products was held in the city of Beihai in Guangxi province in June. During the event, two Guangxi-based companies signed agreements with Cambodian partners to purchase 15,000 metric tons of durians between 2025 and 2026, as well as 20,000 metric tons of dried mangos between 2025 and 2027.

Image: Pexels

This article was translated from Chinese. Read the original article.