1. Weekly News

Ecuador

Ecuador’s Banana Exports Rise as Global Demand Strengthens

Ecuador's banana exports have rebounded strongly this year, with shipments reaching 137 thousand 18.14-kilogram (kg) boxes by Apr-25. This marks a 3.21% year-on-year (YoY) increase. Key markets such as the European Union (EU), Russia, and South Korea saw notable growth, with exports rising by 4.81%, 9.2%, and 22.39%, respectively. Emerging destinations also showed strong momentum, including Argentina (+44.27%), China (+26.30%), and Poland (+40.25%). However, exports to the United States (US) declined slightly by 1.34%, and shipments to Algeria dropped by 91.1% due to political tensions. The export surge is due to improved plant health, higher yields, reduced competition due to climate and labor disruptions in Central America, and enhanced price competitiveness following an increase in Ecuador’s minimum support price.

India

Severe Gale Causes Major Banana Plantain Losses in Coimbatore

In Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, a recent gale in Theethipalayam and Kuppanur villages uprooted over 15 thousand banana plantains. This adds to earlier losses of more than 60 thousand plants in Annur Taluk. Farmers, especially those nearing harvest, are experiencing significant financial losses. They criticize the government's compensation of USD 204.29 (INR 17,500) per hectare (ha), equating to just USD 0.07 (INR 6) per plant, as grossly inadequate compared to the actual per-plant loss of around USD 9.60 (INR 800). Local agricultural representatives are demanding direct field assessments and increased payouts from the Disaster Management Fund. Horticulture officials have acknowledged the gap and indicated they will recommend increasing compensation amounts to more accurately reflect growers’ losses.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s Banana Imports from China Drop Sharply in Early 2025

Kyrgyzstan has significantly reduced its banana imports from China, bringing in just 2.2 thousand metric tons (mt) during the first four months of 2025. This represents a 39.6% YoY drop from 3.6 thousand mt. In Apr-25, imports saw an even sharper decline, falling to 538 mt compared to 1.2 thousand mt in Apr-24. The average import price ranged between USD 1.4 and USD 1.8/kg, reflecting possible shifts in sourcing strategies, trade relations, or broader adjustments in import demand.

Panama

Panama Declares State of Emergency as Banana Strike Continues

Panama has declared a state of emergency in the Bocas del Toro region during an extended strike at a Chiquita Brands subsidiary, a major multinational fruit company known for its global banana exports. The strike follows protests against recent pension reforms, during which 5 thousand of the 7 thousand workers have been laid off. The strike has caused major disruptions, including blocked roads, halted school operations, and restricted access to fuel and food. Chiquita reports over USD 75 million in losses due to suspended planting, packing, and exports, while the government insists the emergency designation is intended to accelerate economic recovery without forcefully ending the protests. Although a labor court has declared the strike illegal, tensions remain high as negotiations continue over workers’ demands to reinstate previous pension and healthcare benefits.

Philippines

Philippines Expands Balangon Banana Exports with Global Push

The Philippines is increasing global promotion of the Balangon banana, a climate-resilient variety grown in Northern Luzon. This campaign is being carried out through a partnership between the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry and Altertrade Philippines Inc. Nueva Vizcaya currently leads exports, shipping 162 13.5-kg boxes weekly to South Korea, sourced from the villages of Kongkong and Malabing in Kasibu. Originally introduced to Japan in 2016 and later to South Korea, the Balangon banana is now central to a government-supported expansion plan aiming to double biweekly exports to 324 boxes. To support this growth, efforts include promoting backyard cultivation in areas like Burgos, Aurora, and Ilagan City. The government is also providing aid in fertilizer, irrigation, packaging, and refining export protocols to meet international standards and ensure long-term success.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Banana Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Banana Pricing Important Exporters (W22 2024 to W22 2025) 

Ecuador

Banana prices in Ecuador remained steady week-on-week (WoW) at USD 0.25/kg in W22, with a 31.58% month-on-month (MoM) surge and a 47.06% YoY increase. This price growth is driven by a strong rebound in exports, particularly to key markets like the EU, Russia, and South Korea, alongside emerging destinations such as Argentina, China, and Poland. Improved plant health and higher yields have boosted supply quality, while reduced competition from Central America, affected by climate and labor disruptions, has strengthened Ecuador’s market position. Additionally, enhanced price competitiveness following an increase in Ecuador’s minimum support price has supported sustained price levels.

Philippines

In W22, banana prices in the Philippines slightly increased by 0.75% WoW to USD 1.34/kg, with a 15.52% YoY rise. This growth is due to growing global demand driven by the government’s active promotion of the climate-resilient Balangon banana variety, especially in export markets like South Korea. Efforts to expand production and improve export infrastructure have supported steady price growth. However, MoM prices slightly declined by 0.74% due to seasonal fluctuations in supply and localized harvesting increases that temporarily eased market tightness.

Colombia

Colombia's banana prices increased by 6.38% WoW to USD 0.50/kg in W22, marking an 11.11% MoM rise. This price increase is driven by strong export demand from key markets such as the US and Europe, where consumption is rising due to seasonal promotions and increased retail orders. Additionally, supply constraints have tightened the market as recent heavy rains and flooding in key growing regions like Magdalena and Urabá have delayed harvests and reduced fruit quality, limiting available volumes for export. However, YoY prices dropped by 5.66% because of intensified competition from neighboring Latin American producers, especially Ecuador and Costa Rica, who have expanded their export volumes with favorable weather conditions and increased investments in logistics. Moreover, lingering logistical disruptions, including port congestion and container shortages experienced over the past year, have continued to hamper Colombia’s export efficiency, putting downward pressure on prices despite current seasonal demand spikes.

Guatemala

In W22, banana prices in Guatemala decreased slightly by 4.76% WoW to USD 0.20/kg, reflecting a 9.09% MoM decline. This drop is due to increased harvest volumes and improved logistics, which have eased short-term supply pressures. Notably, the expansion of export infrastructure, such as the development of a new 70-ha plantain farm and packing facility along the Pacific coast, has enhanced Guatemala's export capacity and efficiency. However, prices have risen significantly by 33.33% YoY, supported by stronger demand from international markets and ongoing improvements in export infrastructure. Despite some regional labor challenges last year, Guatemala’s banana sector has shown resilience, helping to sustain higher prices than the previous year.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Strengthen Supply Chain Flexibility and Explore New Markets

Banana producers should diversify their sourcing and improve supply chain resilience to adapt to shifting import demands. For example, producers in Ecuador and Costa Rica are building stronger relationships with alternative markets in Asia and Europe to offset reductions in traditional buyers. Investing in logistics improvements, such as faster shipping and better cold storage, can help meet changing consumer preferences and stabilize export volumes despite fluctuating import trends.

Diversify Export Markets and Optimize Pricing Strategies

Banana producers should actively diversify export destinations to reduce reliance on any single market facing import declines. Producers in countries like Ecuador and the Philippines can target emerging markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, where demand is growing. At the same time, adjusting pricing strategies to remain competitive, such as offering flexible volume discounts or partnering with local distributors for better market access, can help maintain sales despite shifting trade patterns.

Sources: Tridge, Acorbanec, Freshplaza, Fruitnet, New Indian Express, PIA, Tazabek, Tico Times