Ecuador is working to diversify its destinations and seek new trade agreements within the dynamic banana market. Recently, however, the sector's performance has been affected by weather, market-specific restrictions, and international trade uncertainty.
The Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE), representing approximately 70% of Ecuador's exports, reported a growth of 1.42% for 2024. "It was a complicated year in terms of temperature, but we achieved a recovery in the last quarter," stated Jorge Encalada, president of AEBE. In 2025, the sector anticipates an increase in production during the high season, from January to May.
© AEBE
However, data from the statistical bulletin of February 2025 reveals that the country exported 66.32 million boxes of bananas in the first two months of this year, which is 0.72% less than in the same period of 2024. This decline is primarily due to restrictions in Algeria, which resulted in a loss of 2.39 million boxes.
In contrast, other markets displayed positive trends. The United States increased its imports by 28.30% and Russia by 18.49%. The European Union recorded a modest growth of 1.41%, despite delays at ports and logistics congestion.
© Valeria Ten | FreshPlaza.com
José Antonio Hidalgo, director of AEBE, mentioned that exports remain primarily focused on the European Union, followed by Russia and the Middle East. He also emphasized the recent agreements signed with China and Canada, along with ongoing negotiations with South Korea and Japan, aimed at expanding market access in Asia.
AEBE also stated that, for now, potential changes in US import tariffs do not specifically impact Ecuadorian bananas because direct competitors like Colombia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica face the same conditions. The association continues to monitor developments closely and is in discussions with authorities to ensure compliance with contracts and conditions.
Regarding production, weather conditions have shifted compared to last year. "Bagging levels in February 2025 were slightly lower than in 2024 (40.46 versus 41.68 baggings per hectare), even though average temperatures exceeded 25°C," they stated.
© AEBE
According to the executives, the association leads initiatives such as the Banana Observatory, which collects weather and production data in real time, in addition to monitoring phytosanitary threats like Ralstonia and Fusarium. It has also invested approximately $100 million in security measures to protect the chain of custody and mitigate the risk of contamination with narcotics, a constant concern for exporters.
"According to figures from the end of 2024, Ecuador exported approximately 359 million boxes of bananas for an estimated $3.5 to $3.6 billion. Developments in 2025 will depend on the market's behavior, weather conditions, and the stability of trade routes," Hidalgo concluded.
For more information:
José Antonio Hidalgo
AEBE
Tel. +593 99 952 4959
Email: ahidalgo@aebe.com.ec
www.aebe.com.ec