Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. government has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from Guatemala, similar to tariffs applied to other countries in the region as part of the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (DR-Cafta), which took effect on April 5. The tariff for Nicaragua was set at 18%, effective April 9.

According to the regional government, the Azorean banana has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) designation as part of its Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. An official order from the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, published in the Official Journal, confirms that, under EU Regulation No. 2024/1143, national protection is granted to the name "Banana dos Açores," effective April 3, 2025. António Ventura, Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, stated that no national objections were raised against the classification.

Cavendish banana production in Davao is significantly dropping, especially for small-scale farmers, due to Panama disease and El Niño. Ireneo Dalayon, CEO of the Federation of Cooperatives in Mindanao (FEDCO), and Ed Bullecer, EVP of the American Chamber of Commerce in Mindanao (AmCham-Mindanao), spoke at a forum in Davao City on April 11.

During week 15, banana selling prices in St. Petersburg ranged from USD 24.60 to 25.80 per box, CIF, depending on the brand, volume, and packaging. Approximately 1.610 million boxes were discharged, and around 1.9 million boxes are expected for week 16. The exchange rate was 85.02 RUB per USD. In the Mediterranean, prices for Ecuadorean bananas ranged from USD 20.00 to 22.00 per box, CIF, varying based on brand, region, volume, and packaging. In Algeria, prices were higher due to lower volumes of bananas available in the market, ranging from USD 28.00 to 30.00 per box, CIF. In the Mersin Free Zone, prices for Ecuadorean bananas re-exported to neighbouring countries ranged from USD 22.00 to 25.00 per box. In contrast, Central American bananas were priced between USD 17.00 and USD 20.00 per box. Prices remain high due to the reduced quantities of fruit available in the market. The exchange rate was 37.90 TL per USD, slightly improving the Lira.

HHLA PLT Italy and Maersk have launched a new weekly shuttle service to the Port of Trieste, as announced in HHLA's recent release. The inaugural vessel for the E17 service arrived at the terminal during the week of April 4, 2025. This new maritime route connects Port Said, Trieste, and Venice, expanding the Mediterranean logistics network and strengthening the Port of Trieste's position in the region.

Orsero has signed a strategic alliance agreement with "Platano de Canarias," strengthening its position in the banana production chain in the Canary Islands. This agreement was established between Hermanos Fernández López, Orsero's Spanish company, and Cooperativas Unidas de La Palma, one of the largest cooperatives and agricultural producers in the Canary Islands and the biggest on the island of La Palma. The leading group in Mediterranean Europe, specializing in importing and distributing fresh fruit and vegetable products, announced this collaboration.

Zouhair Bouziane, the Tunisian Director of Economic Research at the Ministry of Commerce and Export Development, recently announced that the banana market faced supply disruptions, leading to price increases. This situation stemmed from logistical challenges, but the ministry quickly restored supply. In a statement to Mosaïque FM, Bouziane emphasized that the supply of bananas has been closely monitored, from cold storage facilities to wholesale and retail markets.

According to a press release from the Kazakh president's office, on April 1st, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Slovenian President Natasa Pirc-Musar discussed the possibility of linking Slovenia's Koper Seaport (Luka Koper) with TITR. President Natasa Pirc-Musar arrived in Kazakhstan for an official visit on March 31. During their discussions, Presidents Tokayev and Pirc-Musar agreed to integrate Koper Seaport into the TITR. They also tasked relevant agencies from both countries with implementing measures to enhance mutual trade.

Danish shipping powerhouse A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S purchased a railway linking ports at both ends of the Panama Canal, undermining the United States’ presence along a key trade route where Donald Trump is trying to elbow out competitors. Maersk’s port operator, APM Terminals, acquired the Panama Canal Railway Co., the owner of the line that stretches across the isthmus nation, from a joint venture between Canadian Pacific Kansas City and the U.S.’s Lanco Group. Maersk ranks No. 6 on the Transport Topics Top 50 list of the largest global freight carriers.

Ecuador's primary destination for non-oil exports is the United States. In response to recent developments, the Ecuadorian government is considering negotiations. The 10% tariff imposed by the President of the United States on Ecuadorian products has worsened the situation for the export sector. The Ecuadorian-American Chamber of Commerce has activated all diplomatic and technical channels to engage with trade authorities and urgently seek alternatives to mitigate the impact of this tariff.

In week 14, the price of bananas in St. Petersburg decreased from USD 28.40 per box CIF on Monday to a range of USD 26.60 to 27.20 per box CIF starting Tuesday as demand weakened. The prices varied based on the brand, volume, and packaging. The exchange rate was 1 USD = 84.38 RUB. Prices for Ecuadorean bananas in the Mediterranean region ranged from USD 21.00 to USD 23.00 per box, CIF, depending on brand, volume, and packaging. In contrast, prices in the Maghreb were significantly higher, with Ecuadorean bananas priced around USD 29.00 to USD 30.00 per box CIF in Libya. Central American bananas were slightly lower, at approximately USD 27.00 to USD 28.00 per box. In Algeria, prices for Ecuadorean bananas also remained elevated, ranging from USD 28.00 to USD 30.00 per box CIF. In the Mersin Free Zone, re-exported Ecuadorean bananas were valued between USD 22.00 and USD 24.00 per box, influenced by brand, volume, weight, and packaging. Central American bananas were priced at about USD 18.00 to USD 20.00 per box.

Morocco has set a record for banana imports, as reported by EastFruit magazine. By the end of 2024, the country had imported over 36,000 tons of bananas, which is 28.8% more than the previous year and double the amount imported in 2022. This record level of imports has exceeded $18 million in costs.

Chiquita is set to make a dynamic return to Milan Design Week 2025, once again opening the doors of The Chiquita House—an immersive and interactive space celebrating the second edition of the brand’s acclaimed Pop by Nature campaign. Taking place as part of the Fuorisalone event, this year’s Chiquita House will offer an engaging and visually striking experience that brings the essence of pop art to life.

The Philippines remains the leading supplier of bananas to Japanese consumers, accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the market last year. This means three of four bananas consumed in Japan were grown in the Philippines. However, the Philippines' share of the Japanese banana market has decreased as competitors gain ground. Over a decade ago, the Philippines dominated the market with a 94 per cent share, but by 2024, this had dropped by almost 20 per cent.

Dole Fresh Fruit Co. has placed an order for 400 Star Cool 1.1 refrigeration units, which will include the Sekstant telematics system. The decision is part of the company's broader efforts to increase operational efficiency and address ongoing changes in the refrigerated transport market, particularly regarding environmental regulations and technological advancements. Industry contexThe global shipping sector continues to undergo structural shifts influenced by regulatory pressure, evolving technologies, and changing trade routes. In response, Dole has opted to upgrade its refrigerated container fleet with the newly introduced Star Cool 1.1 units, which launched in September 2024.