The Durian Take Over.

China’s booming appetite for durians has transformed farming towns across Southeast Asia, particularly Raub in Malaysia, home of the premium Musang King variety known as the “Hermès of durians.” Surging Chinese demand—worth billions of dollars annually—has driven farmers to replace other crops with durian trees, boosted local wealth, and reshaped regional trade ties. While the boom brings economic growth, it also raises challenges, including land disputes, food safety concerns, and uncertainty as China works toward growing its own durians and reducing reliance on imports.

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