1. Weekly News

Ecuador

Ecuador Boosts Banana Exports Despite Market and Climate Challenges

From Jan-25 to Mar-25, Ecuador exported 104.81 million boxes of bananas. This reflects a 1.77% year-on-year (YoY) increase, equivalent to 1.82 million additional boxes. This growth occurred despite losing access to the Algerian market and forfeiting an estimated 4.3 million boxes. To offset this loss, the industry successfully redirected shipments to key markets, with notable increases to the European Union (up 4.83%), Russia (up 9.19%), Asia (up 18.45%), and the Southern Cone (up 17.14%). Within the EU, France and Poland saw strong demand growth, while Italy and Spain experienced sharp declines. Russia imported 21.59 million boxes, showing improvement from 2024, though still below 2023.

Meanwhile, demand in Asia surged, particularly in China, where a 26.47% increase was driven by the 2024 free trade agreement. Argentina led growth in the Southern Cone. Despite challenges from cooler temperatures and heavy rains affecting production and logistics, Ecuador’s banana industry maintained stable production, supported by a modest YoY improvement in bagging efficiency.

Fiji

Fiji Launches Banana Industry Revitalization Plan Amid Export Decline

Fiji is implementing a revitalization strategy to restore its banana export industry. The industry has sharply declined from 21 tons in 2016 to less than a quarter of that today, despite an increase in local production. The plan centers on boosting production, enhancing biosecurity, and improving export preparedness, with key measures including the distribution of disease-resistant seedlings to help farmers increase yields and safeguard crops from pests and diseases. Through these efforts, Fiji aims to strengthen its global competitiveness and reestablish its presence in the international banana market.

India

Storms Damaged Banana Crops in North Andhra Pradesh

In North Andhra Pradesh, India, unexpected rains and strong winds have severely disrupted banana cultivation. This is especially true in the Ranastalam mandal of Srikakulam district, where approximately 33% of the 1.2 thousand acres planted were affected. The storm caused premature fruit drop, damaged infrastructure, and triggered flash floods that disrupted power supply and hampered recovery efforts. Similar impacts were reported in the Visakhapatnam district, where growers face uncertainty over compensation due to stringent eligibility criteria requiring substantial tree damage. With supply reduced, fruit traders expect banana prices to rise in the coming weeks.

Namibia

Namibia Eyes Local Banana Production to Curb Import Dependence

Despite favorable climatic conditions in regions like Kavango and Zambezi, Namibia remains heavily dependent on banana imports, primarily from South Africa, to meet its growing local demand. In the 2022/23 period, the country imported 6.39 thousand tons of bananas worth approximately USD 3.7 million, an increase from 5.08 thousand tons in 2018/19, according to the Namibian Agronomic Board. While Africa produced around 31 million tons of bananas in 2022, Namibia lacks a structured local banana industry. A recent market study highlights the potential for local cultivation through improved farming practices, irrigation systems, and high-yield varieties. Investing in local production could reduce import costs, currently ranging from USD 563 to 663 per ton, boost employment, and potentially open opportunities for export markets.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Banana Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Banana Pricing Important Exporters (W18 2024 to W18 2025) 

Ecuador

Ecuador's banana prices dropped to USD 0.20 per kilogram (kg) in W18, reflecting a 13.04% decrease week-on-week (WoW), month-on-month (MoM), and YoY. This decline is due to an oversupply in the market, as the industry adjusted to the loss of the Algerian market by redirecting shipments to other regions, leading to increased competition and downward pressure on prices. Additionally, logistical challenges, including transportation disruptions and port congestion, further complicated the supply chain, contributing to the price drop. Despite these challenges, Ecuador's banana exports grew by 1.77% YoY in the first quarter of 2025, indicating resilience in the industry.

Philippines

In the Philippines, banana prices remained steady WoW at USD 1.31/kg in W18, with a 1.55% MoM and a 4.80% YoY increase. The price increase is due to sustained demand from major export markets such as Japan and South Korea, bolstered by trade agreements that reduce tariffs on Philippine bananas. Additionally, the Philippines' efforts to combat challenges like Panama disease (Fusarium wilt) and adverse weather conditions have helped stabilize production, supporting price growth.

Colombia

Colombia's banana prices dropped by 2.17% WoW to USD 0.45/kg in W18, reflecting an 8.16% YoY decrease due to increased production and export volumes, which have boosted supply and exerted downward pressure on prices. The Colombian banana industry expects a 5% productivity increase in 2025, with 52 thousand hectares (ha) dedicated to exports, reinforcing supply-driven deflation. However, the 2.27% MoM price increase may be partly influenced by rising production costs, including a reported 14% hike in labor and higher input expenses. While cost inflation does not directly raise prices under pure supply-demand dynamics, producers may adjust prices upward when market conditions allow, especially if demand remains steady and competitors face similar cost pressures.

Guatemala

In W18, banana prices in Guatemala dropped by 4.55% WoW and MoM to USD 0.21/kg, primarily due to increased production that has led to an oversupply in the domestic and export markets. Guatemala’s banana production reached approximately 4.8 million metric tons (mmt) in 2025, positioning it as the eighth-largest producer globally. Despite a significant export volume of 451.89 thousand shipments from Nov-23 to Oct-24, the volume was insufficient to fully offset the production surge, thereby exerting downward pressure on prices. However, YoY prices rose by 23.53% due to rising production costs, including higher labor and input expenses. These cost increases are gradually being passed on through export prices, contributing to the YoY price uptick.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Enhance Banana Farm Resilience to Weather Events

Banana producers should invest in climate-resilient practices to mitigate the impact of unexpected weather events. This includes planting more resilient banana varieties, building proper drainage systems to prevent flooding, and using protective covers like netting or shade cloths to shield crops from strong winds and heavy rains. Producers can strengthen infrastructure by reinforcing storage and processing facilities to minimize disruption during extreme weather. By adopting these strategies, banana farmers can better withstand adverse weather conditions, ensure a consistent supply, and stabilize prices.

Diversify Market Focus and Improve Logistics Efficiency

Banana producers should prioritize diversifying export markets to reduce dependency on specific regions and mitigate the risks from trade disruptions. This can be achieved by targeting emerging markets in Asia, the Southern Cone, and Russia, as these regions show growth potential. Additionally, banana producers must improve logistics efficiency by optimizing packaging methods, like enhanced bagging techniques, to maintain product quality during transit. Strengthening relationships with freight and distribution partners will ensure smoother operations, even amid logistical challenges like adverse weather. By doing so, producers can enhance resilience against market fluctuations and boost profitability.

Sources: Tridge, AEBE, Deccan Chronicle, Elcomercio, FBC News, Freshplaza, Market Watch, Times of India