Palu, C. Sulawesi (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin) reported a steady increase in frozen durian exports from Central Sulawesi to China, reaching 7,344 metric tons between January and July 2026.”From January to May 2026, exports reached 6,615 tons and continued to increase, reaching 7,344 tons through July 2026,” Head of the Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine Agency for Central Sulawesi Ahmad Mansur Alfian said in Palu on Tuesday.The trade performance marks a major breakthrough for the province, which began shipping frozen durian directly to China for the first time earlier this year.Between January and July, a total of 272 containers carrying frozen durian were shipped to China through Pantoloan Port in Palu. Each container holds approximately 27 tons of frozen durian, with an estimated value of Rp2.5 billion to Rp2.8 billion (approximately US$140,500 to US$157,300).“Calculating by the container volume, the potential export value of frozen durian from Central Sulawesi is substantial. To date, we have received no quality complaints from Chinese buyers regarding the quality of the shipped commodities,” Alfian said.He emphasized that strong demand in the Chinese market presents local agribusinesses with a significant opportunity to increase production and expand exports of regional horticultural products.Currently, seven certified packing house companies in Central Sulawesi are actively exporting frozen durian to the Chinese market.Barantin officials stated that maintaining strict phytosanitary and food safety requirements remains a top priority to ensure product quality as export volumes grow.”This provides strategic momentum for Indonesian durian to gain greater recognition in international markets,” Alfian added.He noted that compliance with international standard operating procedures and maintaining product quality are essential, as growing export volumes could create greater opportunities for foreign investment, downstream processing, and improved local farmers' welfare.