Durian leads Philippines export push at CAEXPO 2025

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippines strengthened its foothold in China’s consumer market at the 2025 China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO), where heightened interest in fresh Philippine durian drove another year of robust export performance.

Twelve Philippine enterprises joined this year’s expo in Nanning from Sept. 17 to 21, generating more than US$18 million in export sales across food and non-food categories.

As in 2024, fresh durian remained the country’s top-selling product, drawing sustained attention from Chinese distributors, retailers, and cold-chain operators seeking new premium suppliers amid rising demand for the fruit.

Trade officials said inquiries for Philippine Puyat and Duyaya varieties exceeded expectations, reflecting China’s growing recognition of the Philippines as a competitive durian source alongside major exporters like Thailand and Vietnam. Buyers were also drawn to the fruit’s flavor profile and the expanding production capacity in Mindanao, which has helped ensure more consistent export volumes.

The Philippine pavilion also showcased banana chips, natural wellness products, jewelry, handicrafts, and banking services. Delegates represented a wide mix of exporters, including Raspina Tropical Fruits Inc., Maylong Enterprise Corp., KitSilver Jewellery, Puyo Handicrafts, and BDO Unibank.

The country’s participation was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Guangzhou and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), in partnership with PHILEXPORT and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Strong market reception

The Philippines also received recognition from CAEXPO organizers. CITEM was awarded Best Organizer of Trade Visitors, while two Philippine companies—Cagayan de Oro–based Puyo Handicrafts and Marinduque’s Raya Fiber Imperia—won Excellent Design Awards for products cited for innovation, cultural value, sustainability, and strong market potential in China and ASEAN.

CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo said the strong turnout underscores the competitiveness of Philippine exporters. “This performance affirms that Filipino enterprises are more than capable of thriving in these high-value markets,” she said. “We intend to sustain this momentum as we support more businesses on the global stage.”

CAEXPO 2025 gathered 3,260 exhibitors from 60 countries and drew more than 220,000 buyers, reinforcing its standing as one of China’s largest trade events and a key platform for ASEAN exporters. This year’s edition centered on AI-driven innovation and emerging opportunities under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Upgrade 3.0.

The Philippines is set to further expand its visibility next year after being named CAEXPO 2026 Country of Honor, a designation that grants expanded promotional privileges. The Philippines last held the title in 2013.

With durian demand in China continuing to climb—and Philippine exporters scaling up production and logistics capacity—trade officials expect even stronger performance ahead, positioning the fruit as one of the country’s most promising agricultural exports to the world’s second-largest economy. — /FPL