Ecuador's banana exports have experienced a decline in the first two months of 2024, with a 2.76% decrease reported by AEBE and a more significant 3.51% drop noted by Acorbanec. This downturn is attributed to a variety of factors, including Panama Canal congestion, reduced demand from key markets such as the United States, the European Union, and Russia, inflation impacting consumption, an increase in the minimum support price for bananas, phytosanitary issues, adverse weather conditions, and attacks on cargo ships by Houthi groups in the Red Sea. These challenges have led to a decrease in both the quality and quantity of banana production, resulting in a notable decline in exports.