Ecuador exported 227.72 million boxes of bananas (each weighing 18.14 kg) between January and July 2025, representing a 4.77% increase over the same period last year, according to data from Acorbanec's Statistics Coordination Office.
The European Union remained the main destination, accounting for 30.99% of exports, followed by Russia (19.24%), the Middle East (14.29%), the United States (13.17%), East Asia (6.73%), and the Southern Cone (6.64%). In the latter region, Argentina stood out with a 26.97% increase in its imports.
The report also highlights a significant rise in shipments to China, which increased by 37.67% during this period, driven by a decline in local production and by climate and phytosanitary issues in other supplier countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam. There were also notable increases in shipments to Saudi Arabia (+9.88%) and Eastern Europe (+28.81%).
According to Richard Salazar, CEO of Acorbanec, the positive export performance is due to a combination of factors. "The reduction in production in Central America, affected by adverse weather conditions and labor conflicts in banana-growing areas of Panama, led to a greater demand for Ecuadorian bananas. In addition, better yields per bunch and the incorporation of new productive areas increased the availability of fruit for export."
50.12% of exports were shipped through Guayaquil, 28.15% via Posorja, and 21.73% through Puerto Bolívar. A total of 86.08% of shipments used refrigerated containers, while the remaining 13.92% were sent in bulk.
Exports to Algeria dropped by 94.39% after the North African country suspended import licenses for Ecuadorian bananas in response to Ecuador's support for Morocco's autonomy over Western Sahara.
The rise in the minimum support price from $6.85 to $7.25 per 43-pound box in 2025 also increased cost pressures on exporters.
Despite these challenges, diversification of destinations and growth in markets such as China and Saudi Arabia have allowed the sector to maintain a positive balance. With these results, Ecuador strengthens its position as a leading banana exporter worldwide, amid a global context of supply adjustments and shifts in demand.
For more information:
Acorbanec
www.acorbanec.com