Sustained decline in banana exports from Ecuador

Ecuadorian banana exports from January to August 2021 showed a sustained decline, according to the Ecuadorian Banana Exporters Association (AEBE). During this period, 13.8 million fewer boxes were exported, 5% less than in the same period of 2020.

According to a report presented by the association, the month with the greatest decrease was May with 10%, while July was the most moderate with a 0.3% increase in supplies, compared to the same month of the previous year.

The decreasing trend is explained by different factors: climatic variations, phytosanitary problems, and shortage of containers. 

The fall is observed in stable markets such as Europe, where 33% of the fruit is destined. According to AEBE, exports to Europe fell 1%. In the Middle East and Asia, sales fell 19% and 28%, respectively. In the closest destinations such as the Southern Cone countries and the US, sales rose 3% and 2%.