Philippines Expands Fruit Exports to Canada With Durian and Mangosteen Shipments

 

The Philippines is strengthening its agricultural trade with Canada through new shipments of locally grown durian and mangosteen, as the government seeks to expand international markets for high-value farm products.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that shipments totaling nearly one metric ton of the two fruits were sent to Canada, with deliveries bound for Vancouver and Toronto.

The first shipment, transported aboard a Philippine Airlines flight, included 300 kilograms of durian and 120 kilograms of mangosteen for Canadian buyer Fresh Makers Ltd. A second shipment, consisting of another 300 kilograms of durian and 200 kilograms of mangosteen, departed for Toronto on September 24.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the exports form part of the Marcos administration's broader strategy to secure new international markets for Philippine agricultural products. The initiative aims to improve farmers' earnings while supporting economic development in rural communities.

Expanding access to overseas markets also provides Filipino agricultural producers with opportunities to reach more buyers and increase the commercial value of their harvests.

DA Undersecretary Philip Young emphasized the agency's efforts to establish long-term international partnerships, strengthen the country's position in global agricultural trade and promote the quality of Philippine high-value crops.

The latest shipments follow another milestone for Philippine agricultural exports, with Carabao mangoes recently entering the Canadian market. The product's maiden commercial shipment was dispatched on September 18, marking another step in expanding the country's presence in Canada.

The government is also pursuing a broader diversification of agricultural exports to address the country's approximately $11-billion agricultural trade deficit.

Aside from durian and mangoes, the DA has identified cacao, coffee and okra as commodities with growing export potential. Developing overseas markets for these products is part of the government's effort to broaden export opportunities and generate additional income for local farmers.

With durian, mangosteen and Carabao mangoes gaining access to Canada, the Philippines is expanding its agricultural export portfolio while seeking greater participation in international markets.