1. Weekly News

Australia

Queensland Flooding Disrupts Banana Supply and Prices

Flooding in North Queensland has disrupted Australia’s banana supply chains, causing reduced availability and price increases. However, the impact is expected to be temporary as farmers resume operations and transport networks recover in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the industry is awaiting approval for a genetically modified banana resistant to a severe fungal disease, a development that could enhance long-term crop stability and resilience.

Ecuador

Rare Snake Discovered in Ecuadorian Banana Shipment at New Hampshire Grocery Store

Ecuador, the world's largest banana exporter, shipped 6.7 million tons in 2023, generating USD 4.51 billion in export value. Recently, the country made headlines when an ornate cat-eye snake (Leptodeira ornata), a mildly venomous species native to Ecuador’s dry forests, was discovered in a banana shipment at a New Hampshire grocery store. The snake was safely captured and relocated, highlighting the vast global reach of Ecuador’s banana industry, though such incidents remain rare.

Japan

Fiji Expands Banana Exports to Diversify Agriculture Industry

Fiji is exploring bananas as a key export commodity to diversify its agriculture industry amid challenges in the sugar industry. With favorable growing conditions and the potential for organic certification, bananas offer a competitive alternative for global markets. The government is promoting a transition to organic cultivation to enhance market access while strengthening biosecurity measures to protect crops. This initiative aligns with Fiji’s broader strategy to expand agricultural exports and reduce reliance on sugar production.

Vietnam

Vietnam's Banana Exports Thrive with Advanced Cultivation

Vietnam's Hung Son cultivates Cavendish bananas on 460 hectares (ha) in the Dak Doa district, utilizing modern techniques such as tissue culture, Israeli drip irrigation, and drone-assisted pesticide application. Adhering to Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalGAP) standards, the company ensures high-quality production and exports 25 thousand tons annually, primarily to South Korea and Japan, generating USD 17.5 million in revenue. Investments in cold storage enhance product preservation, while partnerships with local farmers support income growth. With plans to expand production, Hung Son is strengthening Vietnam’s presence in the global banana market.

Taiwan

Taiwan's Banana Prices Surged Due to Typhoon Damage

Banana prices in Taiwan have sharply increased due to severe crop losses caused by multiple typhoons in 2024. At Taipei’s wholesale markets, prices soared to USD 3.27 per kilogram (NTD 107.1/kg), an 84.2% year-on-year (YoY) rise. The primary banana-growing regions, including Kaohsiung and Pingtung, suffered significant damage, drastically reducing supply. Recovery efforts are in progress, but with bananas requiring about a year to mature, prices are expected to stabilize only by May-25 or Jun-25. The impact of the typhoons has reinforced Taiwan's vulnerability to extreme weather in its banana production industry.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Banana Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Banana Pricing Important Exporters (W8 2024 to W8 2025)

Ecuador

In W8, Ecuador's banana prices declined by 6.45% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 0.29/kg, with a 21.62% YoY drop due to ongoing logistical disruptions, including container shortages and elevated freight costs, which have constrained export volumes and pressured spot market prices. Additionally, competitive pricing from alternative suppliers, particularly in Latin America, has contributed to the downward trend. However, month-on-month (MoM) banana prices increased by 7.41% due to strong demand from key markets such as Russia, Europe, and China and the impact of the higher minimum banana price for the 2024/25 season, which has provided price support despite broader logistical challenges. The market is expected to stabilize as container availability improves and new trade routes mitigate supply chain constraints.

Philippines

Banana prices in the Philippines dropped slightly by 0.78% WoW and YoY to USD 1.27/kg in W8 due to stable supply from key growing regions, which remained sufficient to meet market demand despite isolated rain showers. The lack of significant weather disruptions prevented major fluctuations in production, keeping prices relatively steady. However, MoM prices slightly increased by 0.79% due to gradual improvements in export demand, particularly from key Asian markets, and minor logistical adjustments that influenced overall market pricing.

Colombia

In Colombia, banana prices decreased slightly by 2.04% to USD 0.48/kg in W8, with a 5.88% MoM decline and a 4.00% YoY drop. The price drop is due to ongoing logistical challenges, including inefficient infrastructure and security concerns, which have impacted export operations and led to fluctuations in supply availability. Additionally, heightened phytosanitary measures to combat Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (Foc Tr4) have increased production costs, affecting market dynamics. The sustained price decline also reflects stable demand in key markets such as the US and Europe, where ample supply from competing exporters has contributed to downward price pressure.

Guatemala

Guatemala's banana prices held steady at USD 0.22/kg in W8, with a 29.41% YoY increase due to lower local production volumes during the first 12 weeks of the year, which reduced supply and supported higher prices. Additionally, strong seasonal demand in key markets such as the US and Europe, ahead of the typical spring peak, contributed to sustained price levels. The reliance on banana imports from Ecuador to fulfill contract obligations further influenced market stability, preventing significant price fluctuations despite logistical challenges.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Stabilize Supply and Strengthen Resilience

Banana growers in North Queensland should prioritize field recovery efforts and collaborate with transport providers to accelerate distribution and prevent prolonged shortages. Retailers can adjust procurement strategies by diversifying sourcing regions to maintain a steady supply and mitigate price spikes. Exporters should prepare for future disruptions by exploring disease-resistant banana varieties, such as the upcoming genetically modified option, to enhance long-term production stability.

Enhance Quality Control in Banana Shipments

Ecuadorian banana exporters should strengthen inspection protocols by implementing additional checks at packing facilities to prevent the accidental shipment of foreign species. Growers and packers can use Ultraviolet (UV) light scanning and improved fumigation methods to detect and remove unwanted pests before export. Shipping companies should collaborate with importers to establish rapid response protocols for handling rare contamination cases, ensuring minimal disruption to trade.

Sources: Tridge, Focus Taiwan, Freshplaza, Gov UK, NY Post, Today, The Fiji Times, Vovworld