Ecuador exported 137.12 million boxes of bananas between January and April 2025, i.e., 3.21% more than in the same period of the previous year, according to Acorbanec (Ecuador's Banana Marketing and Export Association). Despite a 1.5% drop in bagging, the weather favored production. "Our productivity increased thanks to the sun and rain," stated Richard Salazar Veloz, the association's executive director.
The increase happened in a complex international context. Competing countries such as Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras faced adverse weather conditions. Ecuador responded with a greater supply. "Transnational companies had to come to Ecuador to buy more bananas to fulfil their contracts with their clients," said Salazar.
"The European Union continues to be the main destination market for Ecuador's banana exports, with a 31.36% share and a 4.73% increase. Russia, with a 12.31% growth, consolidated its position as the second-largest market. Exports to the Middle East, East Asia, the United States, and the Southern Cone also grew. Exports to China increased by 26%, and East Asia as a whole grew by 20%," he added.
Exports to the United States increased by 7.49%, despite the 10% reciprocal tariff that this country imposed on Ecuador. The tariff affects bananas but was also applied to all banana-producing and exporting countries in Latin America, which means it doesn't affect the sector's competitiveness.
"The average spot price stood at $ 10.2 per box from week 1 to 22 of this year, well above the minimum support price of $ 7.25. It's not cheaper fruit, quite the opposite. There is less production and the same demand. That pushes prices up. It's how the market works," he said.
Security remains one of the most sensitive challenges, particularly cargo contamination. "We don't want this to affect our exporters', country's, or what's worse, our importers' image. Scanners have been installed, artificial intelligence has been hired, and traceability systems have been strengthened. In addition, the national government has declared war on criminal and drug trafficking gangs. As a result, in the port of Antwerp, contaminated cargo has dropped from 140 to 40 tons," he stressed.
The sector has also incorporated drones for fumigation, traceability software, and new technological solutions to tackle diseases. "We are using systemic copper with discarboxylic acids that strengthen the plant from the inside, like a plant vaccine, to combat moko and Erwinia," Salazar stated.
Regarding the 91% drop in exports to Algeria, he said: "There is no diplomatic problem. They just haven't given us the licence to import. Apparently, it is a reprisal for the non-recognition of the SADR (Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic)."
The guild expects banana exports to grow by 3% to 5% in 2025. However, climate change has altered all models. "The only thing certain about bananas is that nothing is certain anymore," concluded Salazar, summing up the volatility of a sector that, despite all the challenges it faces, continues to respond with efficiency and strategic vision.
For more information:
Richard Salazar Veloz
Acorbanec
Ecuador
Tel: +593 98 985 7025
Email: [email protected]
www.acorbanec.com