Ecuador
Ecuadorian Banana Export Decreased by 12.16% (Jan 30)
Ecuadorian banana exports were estimated at 332.79M cartons in 2022, a decrease of 12.16% compared to 2021. The Ecuadorian banana export association reported the decline in exports had several causes, including the increase in cultivation and production costs, lower international demand, the war between Russia and Ukraine, which caused an oversupply in other markets, and global inflation.
Price Increase for Ecuadorian Bananas During W5, Due to Low Inventory of Quality Bananas (Feb 4)
In W5, Ecuadorian spot banana prices decreased at the start of the week with farmgate prices of USD 11/18.14kg box. On February 1st, prices increased to USD 13.85/13.5kg box and USD 17.85/18.14kg box, all FOB. The price increase corresponds to a continuous low inventory of quality bananas; the volume is forecasted to rise in 4-6 weeks. For the start of W6, three vessels with a capacity of 360K boxes each destined for the Russian market will arrive, and the demand pressure can increase the prices for the upcoming week.
Colombia
Producers on the Border With Venezuela Must Strengthen Prevention Measures Against Fusarium (Jan 31)
In Colombia, due to reports of Fusarium in Venezuela, the ICA issued a series of recommendations that plantains and banana producers must follow to prevent the spread of the disease. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and ICA made an urgent appeal to producers in the departments of La Guajira, Cesar, Norte de Santander, Boyacá, Arauca, Vichada, and Guainía located in the border area with Venezuela to ensure that prevention, surveillance, and biosafety actions are strengthened to the maximum in their properties.
Brazil
Low National Banana Supply Reduces Exports in 2022 (Jan 31)
Brazilian banana exports were reduced in 2022. According to Secex, the volume shipped was 10.6K tons to the European Union, a decrease of 44% compared to 2021. For Mercosur, the amount was 73.9K tons, a drop of 16% in the same comparison. The decrease in exported volume is due to the low national supply, which made sales in the domestic market difficult, climate impacts, and fewer cultural practices.
