Malaysia durian prices plunge amid nationwide harvest glut, farm-gate rates hit multi-year lows

Durian prices in Malaysia have fallen sharply following a simultaneous peak production cycle across nearly all durian-producing states.

According to the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), the overlap in harvest periods between June and August has led to market saturation and a significant increase in supply.

FAMA deputy director-general (Food Security and Operations) Faisal Iswardi Ismail said the situation had been anticipated earlier in the year based on industry signals.

“On 6 February and 4 May this year, industry feedback and signals indicated that a ‘Musang King tsunami’ would occur in 2026,” he said, according to The Sun.

He added that the current situation reflects that projection materialising in the market.

Farm-gate prices hit multi-year lows

Farm-gate prices for 'kampung durian' are currently reported to be between RM1 (US$0.24) and RM4 (US$0.97) per kg depending on state, quality and supply volume, according to The Sun.

FAMA said this has created pressure on farmers’ income and disrupted normal market dynamics during the peak season.

The agency also confirmed that it is targeting the purchase of 300 metric tonnes of seasonal fruits, including durian, through its operational centres this year, valued at RM2.7 million (US$570,000).

It said 142.7 metric tonnes have already been purchased directly, while indirect purchases through FAMA-linked entrepreneurs have reached 1,099 metric tonnes, generating around RM3.28 million (US$690,000) in sales.

Retail prices drop in Klang Valley

A survey by Harian Metro across several durian stalls in the Klang Valley, Selangor, found significant price reductions across popular varieties.

Musang King is now being sold between RM12 and RM25 per kilogram (US$2.52–US$5.25), while Black Thorn is priced between RM15 and RM29 per kilogram (US$3.15–US$6.09) depending on grade and quality.

Other varieties have also fallen in price, including Red Prawn at RM12 to RM22 per kilogram (US$2.52–US$4.62), IOI between RM10 and RM18 (US$2.10–US$3.78), Tekka between RM14 and RM25 (US$2.94–US$5.25), and Kampung durian at around RM10 (US$2.10) per kilogram.

Some vendors have also introduced bulk promotions, with mixed durian packages sold at around RM100 (US$21.00) to attract buyers.

Intervention measures introduced

To address the oversupply, FAMA has implemented multiple intervention strategies to stabilise the market.

According to The Sun, the agency has expanded marketing channels through 91 seasonal fruit sales locations nationwide, enabling direct farm-to-market sales.

It has also established 60 temporary collection centres benefiting at least 71 farmers affected by excess supply.

In addition, 42 operational centres have been mobilised to assist farmers facing difficulties in selling their produce.

Downstream processing has also been expanded through 14 fruit processing centres, where excess durian is converted into value-added products such as paste.

A total of 25,760 kg has been processed so far, alongside 142 cold storage facilities with a combined capacity of 1,600 metric tonnes to reduce post-harvest losses.

Export markets and long-term strategy

Malaysia exported 42,994 metric tonnes of durian in 2025, with volumes projected to rise to around 50,000 metric tonnes this year.

FAMA said it is working to diversify export destinations beyond China, including Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Japan and the Maldives.

The agency is also collaborating with 13 export management companies across 10 countries to expand market access.

It added that upcoming Durian Paradise and Durian Fiesta programmes in Singapore in August are expected to generate approximately RM1.5 million (US$315,000) in sales.

Price trends also felt in regional markets

The price decline in Malaysia has also influenced regional markets, including Singapore, though to a lesser extent.

According to The Straits Times, prices for Mao Shan Wang have fallen from about S$28 (US$21.59) per kg in March to around S$20 (US$15.42) per kg as of 23 June.

Sellers in Singapore said the decline is moderated by higher operating costs and import expenses, which prevent prices from falling in line with Malaysian levels.

Despite the oversupply in Malaysia, retailers expect prices in Singapore to stabilise at higher levels compared to farm-gate conditions in producing regions.