Multiple outlets report that durian remains a highly sought fruit in China and parts of Southeast Asia, alongside continued public complaints in Australia about its strong odor. The reports describe past incidents in which durian scent has led to evacuations of public places in Australia, including universities, libraries and hospitals. They attribute the fruit’s popularity to demand from Chinese and Southeast Asian consumers who widely eat and trade durian. The articles also state that fresh meat is expected to be sent to Australia’s market as part of the broader shift in food supply and trade links between Australia and China.
Across the sources, the common theme is strong consumer demand in China driving changes in what Australia supplies and exports, while durian’s presence highlights the scale of that demand as well as the potential for local disruption due to its smell. The articles do not describe specific policies or companies in detail, but they consistently connect Chinese demand to both durian interest and the expansion of fresh food trade flows.
