Often compared to the American islands of Hawaii, the island of Hainan located in the extreme south of China is favorable for the cultivation of durians which will be offered on the market in a few weeks.

 

According to local media, Hainan Island, where durian cultivation started 4 years ago, now has nearly 670 hectares devoted to cultivation, with 20 to 30 percent of the trees beginning to bear fruit. About 2,450 tons of Hainan durians will be ready for market in June.

 

Durian production on Hainan Island is expected to continue to grow in the coming years and generate revenue of CNY 5 billion (USD 726.9 million) by 2028.

 

China since 2019 has imported larger volumes of fresh durians than fresh cherries, making durians the No. 1 imported fruit. In 2017, China imported 224,400 tons of durians but in 2022 the country imported a total volume of 825,000 tons, according to data from CFNA, China Chamber of Commerce for Food Import and Export. Mainly from Thailand, which accounted for 96% by value and 95% by volume of Chinese imports of durians.