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Musang King durian prices
skyrocket as supply declines
By Thi Ha March 14, 2025 | 06:00 am GMT+7
Musang King durian harvested at an orchard in the Mekong Delta city of Can
Tho. Photo by Manh Khuong
Musang King durian is selling for VND130,000 (US$5.11) per
kilogram at the farm gate, up from last year’s record low of
VND80,000, following a reduction in production area.
It is nearly twice as expensive as the Monthong and Ri 6
varieties. Traders are then selling the fruit at VND160,000-
170,000, up 60% from a year ago.
Viet, who owns a durian orchard in the Mekong Delta’s Can Tho
City, recently sold around five tons of the Malaysian variety for
VND600 million.
He had considered switching to other crops after prices
remained stubbornly low in recent years, but decided to
persevere.
"Seeing today's prices I feel all my years of effort were worth it,"
he says.
Dang Manh Khuong, a merchant who procures durian in Can
Tho, says the cultivation of Musang King has declined over the
last two years as prices fell.
But both domestic and export demand have surged this year,
with Japan, South Korea and the U.S. being particularly fond of
the fruit, he says.
Production in Malaysia has also faced difficulties, prompting
many businesses from that country to seek alternative sources
such as Vietnam, he adds.
The Dak Lak Durian Association says Musang King durian trees
take 10 years to fruit with consistent quality while most orchards
in Vietnam are only four to seven years old.
Farmers say the quality of the fruit is gradually improving and
closing in on that of Malaysia.
Mai, who has an orchard in Tien Giang Province, says the 20
trees she planted nine years ago now produce fruit with a soft
golden pulp unlike the tough and bland texture seen in the past.
Yields have also increased by 30% from a year ago, she says.
Exporters have shown more interest in the variety thanks to the
improvement, she adds.
Originally from Malaysia, Musang King has been grown in the
Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta for many years.
This variety is distinguished by its oval shape, dark green skin
with large spikes, visible vertical seams, and a five-point star
pattern at the bottom.
The Dak Lak association says Musang King is a premium variety
that requires advanced techniques and is challenging to grow.
But it remains highly competitive and offers strong growth
potential if farmers invest wisely.
As the fruit gains popularity and prices rise, the association
suggests that the Department of Crop Production should zone
suitable cultivation areas and educate farmers in farming
techniques to optimize yield and quality.
Musang King durian prices remain in free fall
The prices of Musang King durian have plunged by half over the last year or so to VND80,000
(US$3.16) per kilogram at the farm gate.
Farmers concerned over declining durian prices as peak
harvest nears
Vietnamese durian farmers are bracing for a potential price drop as the main harvest season
approaches, amid stricter import regulations from China, the largest market for the fruit.
Malaysian Musang King durians fetch premium rate in
China
Malaysian Musang King durians imported into China are being sold at a premium rate of RM350
(US$81) per fruit, more expensive than products from other Southeast Asian suppliers.
Quiz: Which durian variety is the most popular in
Singapore?
