Panamanian banana sector in crisis due to social blockades

During the recent week of protests in Panama, the banana industry has suffered significant losses, particularly in the province of Bocas del Toro. According to a local export company, more than 450,000 boxes of bananas were unable to be shipped abroad due to blockades and the suspension of agricultural activities.

The company warned that if the situation continues, the consequences could be irreversible, as there may be no fruit available for export. In addition to the economic impact, the disruption of plantation operations threatens both the harvest and the proper packaging of the product.

Bananas are currently the country’s leading export crop, accounting for 17.6% of total exports during the first months of the year. The company has therefore urged its workers to resume their duties in order to protect the fruit and prevent further losses.

This situation underscores the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to social unrest and highlights the need to ensure conditions that keep the production chain running.

source: laestrella.com.pa

photo: theweek.com