Philippines retains its place in the global banana market

Despite 2020 marked by low production and logistical problems, the Philippines maintained its position as the world's 2nd largest exporter of bananas.

 

According to ITC (International Trade Center) data analyzed by BusinessMirror, the Philippines, despite a decline in exported volume of 14.38% compared to the previous year, managed to maintain its position as the world's 2nd largest banana exporter with 3.725 million tonnes exported in 2020.

 

In front of the Philippines and well in the lead, Ecuador is the 1st world exporter with 6.431 million tonnes exported in 2020. After the Phlilipines, Guatemala remained the 3rd world exporter of bananas with 2.844 million tonnes exported in 2020.

 

In 2020 in the Philippines, banana production fell by 1.1% to 9.056 million tonnes, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

 

This drop in production, caused by the spread of diseases in the plantations, has led to a decline in exports, according to PBGEA (Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association). In addition, there were the negative effects of COVID-19, such as travel restrictions and logistical bottlenecks.