Cambodia officially exported its first direct shipment of fresh durians to China on July 19, 2025, marking a new milestone in the country’s agricultural trade. The shipment of 17 tons of durians was sent from Sihanoukville Port to Shenzhen, China, following the bilateral cooperation agreement signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s official visit to Cambodia in mid-April 2025.
Milestone Agreement Between Cambodia and China
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During the visit on April 17–18, 2025, Cambodia and China signed 37 cooperation agreements across multiple sectors, including one granting Cambodia the right to export fresh durians directly to China.
In early July 2025, China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) officially approved 122 durian farms and about 30 packaging facilities in Cambodia — mainly located in Tbong Khmum Province, the origin of this first shipment.
Expanding Market Access for Cambodian Farmers
The opening of the Chinese market is expected to provide new opportunities for Cambodian farmers, boosting both production value and export income. The move is seen as a key driver for expanding the country’s durian cultivation area and improving product quality to meet international standards.
Cambodian durians, especially those grown in Kampot Province, are already highly regarded in regional markets such as Thailand and China for their rich flavor and superior quality.
Potential to Become a Key Durian Supplier to China
With its favorable soil and climate for durian farming, Cambodia is projected to increase its durian acreage and output in the coming years. Experts believe that by maintaining competitive costs, stable pricing, and strict quality control—particularly in the use of preservatives and post-harvest handling—Cambodia could become one of China’s leading durian suppliers in the near future.
Part of a Broader Agricultural Export Strategy
Durian is now the fifth Cambodian fruit officially permitted for direct export to China, following banana, mango, longan, and coconut.
Cambodia is also working to gain approval for jackfruit, rambutan, avocado, and other tropical fruits for official export to China under its expanding agricultural cooperation framework.