MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is opening a new gateway for its high-value agricultural produce, sending nearly one metric ton of fresh durian and mangosteen to Canada. The move comes as the government intensifies its push to expand overseas farm markets and narrow a persistent trade gap.
The trial initiative began on Wednesday, Sept. 23, with an initial air shipment bound for Vancouver containing 300 kilograms of durian and 120 kilograms of mangosteen for Canadian buyer Fresh Makers Ltd., represented by Jackson Ng. A second shipment carrying 300 kilograms of durian and 200 kilograms of mangosteen departed for Toronto on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Both shipments were transported via Philippine Airlines flights.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the expansion realizes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to open fresh trade avenues for local goods.
“The latest shipments of fresh durian and mangosteen is part of our broader effort of the Marcos administration to find new markets for local agricultural commodities to bolster farm incomes and sustain rural development,” Tiu Laurel said.
The push into the Canadian market is part of a broader strategy by the DA to diversify the nation’s agricultural export portfolio. Alongside tropical fruits like durian and mangosteen, the department has targeted high-value commodities such as cacao, coffee, and okra to bolster international trade revenues.
The initiative comes at a critical time for the sector. Philippines DA data shows the country’s agricultural trade deficit has topped $11 billion annually since 2022. Expanding the export reach is viewed as a vital step toward reversing that shortfall and channeling greater economic returns back to rural agricultural communities.
Undersecretary for High Value Export Crops and Agri-Fishery Export Development and Promotion Philip C. Young emphasized that the Canadian entry signals a shift from strategy to tangible trade operations.
“These shipments underscore our unwavering resolve to position Philippine produce at the forefront of international trade,” Young said. “We continue to forge durable global partnerships, secure vital market shares, and showcase the quality of our high-value crops.”
The entry into Canada builds on recent export momentum in Europe. The same exporter recently completed three air freight shipments of fresh durian to France, where weekly deliveries are ongoing.
While each new buyer represents a vital outlet for local growers, long-term success in markets like North America will depend on the industry's ability to maintain reliable supply chains, manage competitive air-freight logistics, and uphold rigorous quality controls to sustain commercial demand.
