Brazil’s banana exports fall 35% in August

Brazil exported about 6,000 tons of bananas in August — a 35% drop compared to July, when shipments reached 9,000 tons, according to Comex Stat data.

Argentina and Uruguay remained the main buyers, together accounting for 94% of total exports. However, their purchases also fell — by 28% and 13%, respectively — compared to the previous month.

The decline is mainly due to lower availability of the nanica banana, Brazil’s top export variety. Production has fallen not only in northern Santa Catarina, the main supplier to Mercosur markets, but also in other growing regions in the South and Southeast.

With supply tightening, local prices for nanica bananas have risen. Analysts warn that exports could decline further in the coming months, as the shortage is expected to continue until early next year.

source: hfbrasil.org.br

photo: chasingchanelle.com