Decline in volume and value for banana exports

Over the past year, the value of Costa Rica's banana exports has declined, impacting the overall result of sales of agricultural products abroad.

 

 

 

According to figures announced by PROCOMER, the foreign trade promotion agency, the value of foreign sales of bananas between January and October 2018 (latest available data) decreased by 4.4% compared to the same period in  2017. From $880 million in 2017 to $841 million in 2018.

 

 

 

Banana remains the main agricultural export product of the country. Its performance impacts the overall condition of the agricultural sector. The agricultural sector grew slightly (1.2%) over the same period, from $ 2,394 million between January and October 2017 to $ 2,424 million between January and October 2018.

 

 

 

Different adverse weather events (rains, floods) and the evolution of tree varieties are the main causes of the decline in export sales. In volume, these banana exports accounted for 123 million or 124 million boxes (18.14 kg), which is about 4 or 5 million boxes less than in 2017, a reduction of about 3%.