W3 Banana Update: Ecuadorian Banana Awaiting Free Trade With China to Boost Exports, and European Banana Production Facing Multiple Crisis

Ecuadorian Banana Industry Anticipates Doubling Exports to China with Free Trade

The Ecuadorian banana industry anticipates a significant boost in exports to China, doubling from 2022 levels as the free trade agreement (FTA) is expected to take effect in 2024. The executive director of Acorbanec emphasizes the goal to reach pre-COVID-19 production levels in 2020, with hopes of increasing European Union (EU) and Russia procurement. Ecuador aims for lower costs and competitiveness as China has removed the 10% banana tariff. High demand has led to a 50% year-on-year (YoY) supply boost request in 2023.

European Banana Industry Faces Crisis Due to High Costs and Climate Challenges

European banana and plantain producers (APEB) confront a 30% YoY surge in production costs for two years, coupled with climate challenges, resulting in an economic crisis. Representatives from the Canary Islands, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Madeira have pointed out these issues with escalating costs, climate-related production disruptions, disparate EU regulations favoring third countries, and a preference for imported bananas over European produce. Producers urgently call for institutional action to safeguard the European sector's viability.

Mexico's Vigilance Safeguards Banana Industry from Lethal Fungus Threat

Spread across 80.5 thousand hectares (ha) in 16 states, the Mexican banana industry faces the threat of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Race 4 Tropical (Foc R4T). The Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) enforces preventive measures through constant information dissemination, training programs, and stakeholder collaboration. Self-sufficient in banana production, Mexico focuses on inspecting tourist goods from high-risk countries. SENASICA intensifies surveillance, forming technical groups, conducting training, and implementing biosafety measures. The campaign against Moko disease is in place, preventing confusion with Foc R4T. Mexico's vigilance ensures a disease-free status, safeguarding its vital banana production and preserving a market worth over USD 515.96 million (MXN 8.94 billion).