The Philippines has officially expanded its fruit exports to Canada with the first shipment of fresh durian and mangosteen, marking a new milestone for local farmers and the country’s agricultural trade.

According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), about one metric ton of durian and mangosteen was flown to Vancouver and Toronto in late September. The initial batch included 300 kilos of durian and 120 kilos of mangosteen for Canadian buyer Fresh Makers Ltd., while a second shipment carried 300 kilos of durian and 200 kilos of mangosteen to Toronto. Both consignments were transported via Philippine Airlines.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the initiative is part of the Marcos administration’s broader push to open new markets for local produce. “Expanding exports is essential to redirecting more value toward Filipino farmers and rural communities,” he said.

The DA is eyeing more regular shipments to Canada and other markets, with durian, cacao, coffee, and okra identified as emerging commodities with strong export potential. Officials say the move could help reduce the country’s $11‑billion agricultural trade deficit.

The Canadian shipments follow the entry of Philippine Carabao mangoes into the Canadian market earlier this month. The DA has been actively diversifying the country’s farm export pool, aiming to strengthen rural development and showcase the quality of high‑value crops grown in the Philippines.