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December 23, 2025 | The Conversation |

China’s once-derided durian has become a cultural favorite and economic powerhouse, with the country now accounting for about 95% of global durian demand and importing nearly US$7 billion worth in 2024. This surge has transformed durian into both an economic driver and a diplomatic tool for Southeast Asian producers. Countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam have used durian exports to strengthen political ties and market access with Beijing, a strategy sometimes dubbed “durian diplomacy.”

China’s appetite has brought prosperity to rural farming areas, boosting incomes and infrastructure, while also helping exporters like Vietnam gain entry for other agricultural products. For China, durian fits into a broader “food silk road” strategy aimed at diversifying food imports to enhance food security.

However, the boom has downsides. Rapid expansion of durian plantations has contributed to deforestation and environmental risks in parts of Southeast Asia. As demand continues to grow, producer countries face the challenge of balancing economic gains with environmental protection, supply-chain control, and long-term sustainability amid shifting global geopolitics.

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