Colombian banana sector confident of maintaining competitiveness despite tariffs

Ecuador's banana sector does not expect a loss of competitiveness vis-à-vis its main rivals following the announcement of the 10% tariff by the United States. According to the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE), the measure affects all supplier countries equally, including Colombia, Guatemala and Costa Rica, which will also pay the same percentage, even if they have trade agreements in force.

Although Ecuadorian bananas previously entered the U.S. duty free, the new generalized tariff does not represent a specific disadvantage. AEBE stressed that all exporters will operate under similar tariff conditions. The association said that it is awaiting the official publication of the measure to evaluate its impact on other agricultural products.

Francisco Briones, former director of the SRI, mentioned that the tariff gap between Ecuador and the U.S. is 6.2%, and that the 10% announced corresponds to the minimum base proposed. On the other hand, the Ministry of Production highlighted that non-oil exports to the US grew 47.3% in January 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year.

Bananas are among the most exported products ($55 million). Fedexpor and AMCHAM are preparing a joint statement to analyze the effects of the new tariff.

source: eluniverso.com

photo: banano.ebizor.com