Depressed Prices of Bird’s Nests

Unprocessed white bird’s nests have fallen to an average of RM3,000 per kg from RM4,500 per kg due to weak demand after China banned imports from Malaysia in July last year. China stopped importing after a high level of nitrate was found in the product. Chinese Ambassador was quoted by national Chinese dailies last month as saying that Malaysian bird’s nests were expected to re-enter China in April following efforts by both Malaysian and Chinese governments to resolve the nitrate issue.

Thus, the swiftlet farmers are hoping to make big profits if prices return to normal after bird’s nests from Malaysia are allowed to re-enter China. Offering around RM2,000 per kg for unprocessed bird’s nests, they hope to resell them at higher prices in anticipation of China lifting its ban on Malaysian bird’s nest products soon.