The Philippines has secured $27 million worth of durian export deals with a Chinese company, opening more market opportunities for local producers, particularly those in Davao, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday, November 10.

The agreements were signed with Somago (Tianjin) Cross-border E-commerce Co. Ltd. during the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2026.

The first deal involves Eng Seng Food Products, which secured a $17-million strategic cooperation agreement covering November 2026 to November 2027. Meanwhile, Maylong Enterprises Corp. signed a separate $10-million deal for frozen durian procurement covering the same period.

The DA said the agreements aim to expand the distribution of Philippine durian across China. Eng Seng currently exports fresh and frozen durian to the country and works with approximately 2,000 farmers, while Maylong is qualified to export frozen durian pulp.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra said the deals aim to help local farmers and agricultural businesses benefit from increased export opportunities.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. added that expanding overseas markets could increase farmers' incomes and help reduce the country's agricultural trade deficit.

During the 2025 CIIE, the Philippine delegation recorded P920.58 million in booked sales. Subsequent agricultural export deals involving durian and other local products reached P3.8 billion.