The Philippines has reached a major milestone in its agricultural export sector with the official approval of fresh durian exports to Egypt. Confirmed by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) on May 18, 2025, this achievement is the result of nearly two years of technical negotiations and close cooperation between the Philippines and Egypt.
The process began in June 2023 when the Philippines formally requested market access for fresh durian. Since then, both countries have worked hand-in-hand to meet requirements on pest risk analysis, phytosanitary standards, and export protocols, coordinated with Egypt’s Central Administration for Plant Quarantine.
Flor De Hasmin Bayo, chief of the Plant Quarantine Service – Port of Davao (PQS-Davao), confirmed the approval but noted there is no shipment schedule yet, as the durian season typically falls in July and August. Still, the green light marks a positive development for Philippine exporters.
To facilitate exports, Philippine exporters must ensure Egyptian importers secure an import permit via Egypt’s Agricultural Quarantine electronic system.
The DA-BPI will issue a phytosanitary certificate certifying that the durian is pest-free, allowing shipments to proceed once all requirements are met.
This new market access comes amid growing global demand for Philippine durian. In 2024, the country exported over 14,000 metric tons of fresh durian, an impressive 199 percent increase from 2023.
The approval to export to Egypt not only demonstrates the Philippines’ adherence to international plant health standards but also highlights confidence in the country’s fresh produce inspection systems.
The expansion into Egypt follows the Philippines’ successful entry into the Chinese market, further strengthening its role in the global durian trade.
As the upcoming durian season approaches, Philippine exporters are ready to seize this new opportunity, boosting agricultural growth and economic development. DEF