Manh Khuong, a trader in the Mekong Delta, says he pays sourcing agents VND6,000 per kilogram for Musang King durians. This commission is far above the VND2,000 per kilogram paid for the common Ri6 variety.

Musang King durian is hard to grow in Vietnam. It is only planted in scattered farms in the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta. Vo Tan Loi, chairman of the Dong Thap Durian Association, says the main Musang King season ended two months ago and farmers are now preparing their trees for the next harvest.

Unfavorable weather before the harvest caused 5‑10% of the fruit to have quality problems, according to trader Hang in Dak Lak Province. At the same time, demand is rising in China while Malaysia’s main Musang King harvest has finished, making overall supply tighter. Farm‑gate prices rose 20‑30% from August to mid‑September, with Musang King selling for VND130,000 per kilogram.

Because the supply is limited, traders must pay higher commissions and buyers face higher prices. The combination of difficult cultivation, weather loss, and strong overseas demand explains the current price spike.