Cambodian banana exports fall by more than 20%

According to a report from the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia’s fresh banana exports in 2023 will be approximately 290,000 tons, a year-on-year decrease of more than 21%. Longmate Agricultural Company CEO Hun Lak explained that market demand is still there and prices are good, but production is declining due to weather and technical issues. When farms are affected by severe weather phenomena such as El Niño, water shortages lead to soil moisture loss, Pest problems have increased and pesticides have become less effective. The 2023 banana harvest is smaller than in 2022, and the company's exports to China have also declined. More than 90% of Cambodia's fresh bananas are exported to the Chinese market. Lak added that the yellow bananas exported to the Chinese market are a unique variety that taste better compared to other varieties. To maintain their quality, bananas are grown when the skin is dark green. Harvested and can be stored for nearly ...