Ecuador banana exports to China surge 37.7% by July 2025

Ecuador, the world’s leading banana exporter, has sharply increased its shipments to China in 2025. Between January and July alone, exports rose by 37.7%, climbing from 7.2 million boxes in 2024 to 9.9 million this year, according to Acorbanec (Ecuador’s Banana Exporters Association).

Several factors explain this growth. Weather problems and plant diseases cut production in countries like the Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, and even China itself, creating more demand for Ecuadorian bananas. Panama also reduced supply due to climate impacts and labour disputes, leaving space that Ecuador successfully filled.

At the same time, Ecuador’s own banana production rose thanks to stronger yields despite challenging weather. A new shipping route launched in February — Guayaquil–Chancay–Shanghai — also boosted competitiveness by cutting transport time from over 40 days to just 27. This faster and more reliable link has made Ecuador’s bananas even more attractive for Asian buyers.

source: expreso.ec

photo: efructifera.com