Malaysian Durian Prices Halve as 550,000-Tonne Output Glut Triggers Farmer Aid
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 29
Malaysian Durian Prices Halve as 550,000-Tonne Output Glut Triggers Farmer Aid
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 29
Summary
Musang King wholesale prices have fallen about 50% in June from 13.50 ringgit in December, as a bumper 2026 crop flooded Malaysia and spilled into discount-heavy sales in Singapore.
A decade-long planting boom aimed at Chinese demand is now peaking, with many newer trees maturing at once and adding to a glut farmers call a "durian tsunami."
Malaysia's Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority has started buying durians at a base price to shield small growers, while officials say they hope prices recover within weeks.
Farmers say the crash is worse for orchards already hit by uneven weather and poor pollination, and that much of the cheapest fruit is lower-quality Musang King not fit for export.
Retailers are clearing excess stock with aggressive promotions—free 600kg daily giveaways in Singapore and 100-ringgit sack deals in Pahang—highlighting how oversupply is reshaping a premium export industry.