How do Singapore durian sellers justify higher prices despite Malaysian lows?

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Singapore durian sellers say local prices cannot match Malaysia’s lows because of costs, supply conditions, and quality constraints
Singapore durian sellers say prices in the republic are unlikely to fall to the same levels seen in Malaysia, even after local dips over the past few days. Mao Shan Wang dropped from about S$28 per kg in March to S$20 per kg as of June 23, while Red Prawn eased from S$14 to S$12 per kg, and sellers expect Mao Shan Wang to bottom out around S$18 per kg. They point to higher operating costs in Singapore, different import realities, and quality impacts tied to newer-tree fruit that has flooded the market.
Prices are tempered by Singapore’s higher operating costs and taxes
Sellers argue that Malaysia can sell very cheaply because it has abundant stock, but Singapore retail economics are different. One Durian Garden founder said Malaysia, as a producer country, is “flush with stock” and can afford low pricing, while Singapore has very high operating costs once overheads, transport, and GST are added. In this framing, those cost components make it impossible for Singapore retailers to lower prices to Malaysian levels.
Malaysia’s oversupply is linked to earlier, heavier harvest conditions
The justification also rests on how the supply surge started in Malaysia. Hotter temperatures in Malaysia triggered an earlier and more abundant harvest, leading to massive oversupply, which then pulled retail pricing down there. In Singapore, sellers note the market is still tied to imports, with Singapore relying heavily on fruit from Johor and Pahang, where seasons typically peak in June, July, and December.
Quality is affected by fruit from younger trees, not just price
Even as prices fall in Singapore, sellers stress that lower prices do not automatically mean better fruit. A co-founder of a durian business said the market is flooded with durians from new, younger trees, which severely impacts quality and makes it take longer to sieve out the good fruit. This quality constraint is used to explain why prices are not expected to track Malaysia’s plunge dollar-for-dollar.
Traders expect a local bottom and stay cautious due to short shelf life
Sellers also cite their expectations for where prices may stabilise rather than continuing to mirror Malaysia’s lows. They expect Mao Shan Wang to bottom out at around S$18 per kg in Singapore, and one seller said current prices are the cheapest in the last five years. Another co-owner increased stock by 50 per cent but remained cautious because the fruit’s short shelf life limits how much can be held safely.

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How do Singapore durian sellers justify higher prices despite Malaysian lows?

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