The Philippines is one of the world's largest durian producers, producing more than 900,000 tons per year. Durian is an important cash crop in the Philippines and a favorite among locals. However, the export of durian from the Philippines has not been smooth, mainly facing market, quality, logistics and other challenges. Recently, the Philippine presidential office announced that it will export at least 54,000 tons of fresh durian to China in 2023, which is the first time that the Philippines has exported fresh durian to China and an important result of agricultural cooperation between the two sides. Why is the Philippines planning to export durian to China on a large scale? How much demand and potential is there for Philippine durian in the Chinese market? What's the mystery behind this?
First, the dilemma and opportunity of Philippine durian exports
The dilemma of Philippine durian exports is mainly manifested in the following aspects:
- Single market. The main markets for Philippine durian exports are Southeast Asia and the Middle East, mainly Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries. These countries are also durian producers themselves, and the demand and acceptance of Philippine durian is limited. Developed countries such as Europe and the United States have very little consumption of durian due to differences in culture and taste.
- Unstable quality. There are many varieties of Philippine durian, but the quality is uneven. Due to the lack of uniform standards and regulations, many growers neglect quality and safety in pursuit of yield and profit. In addition, due to climate change, pests, diseases, and other factors, the yield and quality of durian in the Philippines have also been affected.
- Poor logistics. The main production areas of durian in the Philippines are distributed in Mindanao, Mindanao and Medan, far from the capital Manila. Due to backward infrastructure and high transportation costs, the logistics of durian in the Philippines are inefficient and prone to wear and tear and delays. Moreover, since durian is a perishable food, special storage and transportation conditions are required, otherwise it will affect its quality and taste.
Nevertheless, Philippine durian exports also have great opportunities and prospects:
- Product advantages. Philippine durian is loved by consumers for its sweet and delicious taste, tender meat and rich nutrition. The main varieties of Philippine durian are Puyat, Duyaya and D101, among which Puyat is known as the "king of durian", its flesh is full of gold, rich aroma, sweet taste, is one of the most popular varieties.
- Market demand. China is the world's largest consumer of durian, consuming more than 1 million tons per year. Chinese love durian no less than Filipinos, durian is known as the "king of tropical fruits". The demand for durian in the Chinese market far exceeds the domestic supply, so a large number of imported durians are needed to fill the gap. At present, China mainly imports durian from countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, but the varieties and quality of durians in these countries are different from those of the Philippines and cannot fully meet the tastes and preferences of Chinese consumers.
- Policy support. The Philippines and China have a good cooperative relationship in the field of agriculture, and the two sides have signed a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding to promote trade and investment in agricultural products. In January 2021, during a visit to China, Philippine President Marcos signed a US$2 billion fruit export agreement with China, including 50,000 tons of fresh durian. On January 4, 2021, the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines and the General Administration of Customs of China signed the Protocol on Plant Quarantine Requirements for the Export of Fresh Durian from the Philippines to China, opening the door to the Chinese market for Durian in the Philippines. On January 7, 2021, the General Administration of Customs issued the Announcement on the Plant Quarantine Requirements for the Import of Philippine Fresh Durian to Allow the Import of Philippine Fresh Durian that meets the relevant requirements.
Second, the challenges and prospects of Philippine durian exports
Although the export of durian from the Philippines has great opportunities and prospects, it also faces some challenges and problems:
- Certification. To enter the Chinese market, Philippine durian must meet a series of quarantine requirements set by the General Administration of Customs of China, including origin registration, inspection and quarantine, packaging identification, transportation methods, etc. These requirements are a challenge for growers and exporters in the Philippines, who need to improve their management and technical capabilities, as well as strengthen communication and coordination with government departments and third-party agencies.
- Market competition. Although Philippine durian has its own advantages and characteristics, it also has to face competition from durians from other countries and regions. At present, the dominant position in the Chinese market is Thai durian, which has diversified varieties, stable quality and reasonable price, and has formed a certain brand effect and consumption habits. Malaysia, Vietnam and other countries are also actively exploring the Chinese market, providing more choices and differentiated products. If Philippine durian wants to stand out in the Chinese market, it must highlight its advantages and characteristics, and establish its own brand image and reputation.
- Consumer education. Although Philippine durian has a wide popularity and love in Southeast Asia, it is still a relatively unfamiliar and fresh product in the Chinese market. Many Chinese consumers do not know much about the varieties, characteristics, nutritional value, etc. of Philippine durian, and have not formed stable consumer demand and preferences. Therefore, Philippine durian exporters need to strengthen consumer education and guidance for Chinese consumers, promote and publicize the advantages and characteristics of Philippine durian through various channels and methods, and increase their awareness and recognition.
In short, the export of Philippine durian to China is an agricultural cooperation project of great significance and prospects, which can not only bring economic benefits and employment opportunities to the Philippines, but also provide more fruit choices and enjoyment for Chinese consumers. However, this project is not all smooth sailing, and there are some difficulties and challenges to overcome in order to achieve the win-win goal. Whether Philippine durian can occupy a place in the Chinese market remains to be tested by time and the market.