As reported by NusaBali, as Bali approached the Lunar New Year (Imlek 2577 Kongzli) on 17 February 2026, export demand for Balinese mangosteens increased dramatically to meet mainland requirements for traditional fruit baskets sent as gifts by Chinese consumers.
In the month prior to Imlek, Bali quarantine officials recorded a 700% increase in mangosteen exports when compared to December 2025. Between 01 January and 09 February 2026, a total of 79.5 tons of mangosteens were exported from Bali. This represents a 700% increase from December 2025, when only 9.7 tons of mangosteens were exported.
In China, mangosteens are believed to symbolize wealth, progress, and good health. As a result, this fruit is very popular in gift parcels for the Chinese New Year.
Bali Quarantine Chief, Heri Yuwono, told the press that the increase in mangosteen exports represents a concrete step towards opening the global market for one of Indonesia’s leading fruit commodities. Yuwono explained that the export handling process is carried out in accordance with the protocol for exporting mangosteens to China, agreed upon by both countries. “Handling is carried out in accordance with the protocol and ensures traceability, so that Indonesian agricultural products can compete in the global market,” Heri Yuwono said on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.
Bali Quarantine Officers ensure that exported mangosteens meet the technical requirements of the destination market, including checking that the fruit is free from mealybugs, fruit flies, shell lice, and snails. Strict supervision is maintained to ensure product quality and safety.
Yuwono added that this increase in exports aligns with the direction of the Government’s Go Export Program, which encourages businesses to increase exports of agricultural and fishery commodities in a sustainable manner. “The Go Export program is also in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita Guidelines to promote industrialization and increase economic added value,” he said.
According to data from “Best Trust” (Barantin Electronic System for Transaction and Utility Service Technology), 42 mangosteen export certifications were recorded during the period, totaling Rp 2.6 billion. Despite this increase as compared to December 2025, the annual export volume was still lower than the 356.5 tons achieved for the year, resulting from 131 certifications.
The decline compared to the previous year was due to declining productivity, seasonal changes, and extreme weather conditions. This year’s extreme weather conditions caused many mangosteen flowers to fall, reducing the crop size and impacting this year’s harvest and export volume.
Related Links
Preserving Bali’s 2023 Mangosteen Harvest
North Bali Center for Mangosteen Plantations
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