Many Spaniards have noticed that the price of Canary Islands bananas is higher than in previous years. A farmer has explained the factors behind this price increase and when it might decline. The anticipated decrease in price depends on several factors, one of which is demand. Prices are expected to fall when demand decreases, possibly in June when schools close. Regarding the high prices, the farmer stated, "This is because there aren't enough bananas."

In the first quarter of 2025, Ecuador exported 104.81 million boxes of bananas, marking a 1.77% increase from the 102.98 million boxes of about 42 pounds shipped during the same period in 2024. According to the latest statistical report from the Ecuadorian Banana Exporters Association (AEBE), the largest trade group in the country's banana sector, the European Union (EU) continues to be the top destination for Ecuadorian banana exports, accounting for 31.58% of total shipments. Following the EU, Russia is the second-largest market, representing 20.6% of exports.

On Monday, April 28, in week 18, the selling prices of bananas in St. Petersburg ranged from USD 22.20 to USD 23.40 per box CIF. However, on Tuesday, April 29, prices started to decline, falling between USD 19.75 and USD 22.20 per box CIF. Prices depended on brand, volume and packaging. Local traders attribute this price decrease to weaker demand, likely due to an extended holiday period from May 1 to May 4 and from May 8 to May 11, when many people take time off. Nearly 1.745 million boxes were discharged during the week, and approximately 1.850 million boxes are expected for week 19. The exchange rate during this period was 81.49 RUB to USD. Additionally, Rosstat reported a year-on-year inflation rate of 10.34% for the last week of April. Prices for Ecuadorian bananas in the Mediterranean ranged from USD 21.00 to USD 23.00 per box, CIF, depending on brand, volume, region, and packaging factors. In Libya, the price for Ecuadorian bananas was USD 22.00 per box, CIF, while Central American bananas were priced at USD 20.00 per box, CIF.

Bananas hold a mid-level position in Peru's agricultural exports. Despite consistent global demand, several challenges have hindered their growth in international markets. In the first quarter of 2025, Peru exported approximately 39,689 tons of bananas valued at $34 million, marking a 12% decrease in volume and a 9% decline in value compared to the previous period. However, the average price per kilogram increased to $0.87, a rise of 3%, which helped mitigate the impact of the reduced shipments.

A.P. Moller-Maersk reported that it would change the colour of its containers from the traditional grey to the shipping company's characteristic blue. The modification occurred almost five decades after the colouration resulting from the mixture of black and white was introduced. According to the information released, the measure would be valid for Dry Van cargo containers, but it was not specified that it would be replicated in refrigerated containers, which are usually targets independent of the owner company.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the estimated banana production from April to June 2023 was 2.29 million metric tons, reflecting an annual increase of 0.1 per cent compared to the same period in 2022. Among the 20 known varieties of bananas in the Philippines, the Cavendish is the most common and widely cultivated. 2023 Cavendish bananas accounted for the highest production, with 1.17 million metric tons, representing 51.5 per cent of the total banana production.

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.