PH to export $260M durian to China

The Philippines is set to export $260 million worth of durian to China, following a deal secured by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his state visit.

Chinese companies such as Dole (Shanghai) Fruits and Vegetables Trading Co., Ltd., Prestige International Co., Ltd., Shanghai Goodfarmer Group, and the Dashang Group have made purchase commitments totaling $260 million for 2023.

This agreement, formalized by the 'Protocol of the Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Durians from the Philippines to China,' allows 50,000 metric tons of durian into the Chinese market.

The durian will be sourced from registered farms in major producing areas like Davao City, Davao del Sur, and North Cotabato.

Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban stated that China has allocated $260 million initially for the durian import project.

In response, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will expand durian production and has directed relevant offices to identify expansion areas and formulate plans to sustain exports.