China: Malaysian watermelons imported via Xiamen Port

On March 30, 2010, the first batch of imported Malaysian watermelons entered the Chinese mainland markets via Xiamen Port after being inspected and quarantined.

These tropical fruits were packed in 1,936 cartons, weighing 23.2 tons and worth $US 9,321. It was the first time that Malaysian watermelons were imported via Xiamen Port.

Malaysian watermelon looks like ordinary seedless watermelon. It has a thin grind and bright red flesh which is juicy and sweet. Malaysian watermelon is now one of the highly demanded fruits in hotels and restaurants in China.

At present, there are 7 kinds of Malaysian fruits that are allowed to be imported into China which are longan, mangosteen, lychee, coconut, watermelon, papaya and rambutan, according to the Xiamen Entry-Exit Inspection & Quarantine Bureau.