The Ecuadorian banana industry faces headwinds as export figures for June 2024 reveal a 1.04% decline compared to the same period in 2023. The Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE) reported that cumulative banana exports reached 188.99 million boxes, down by 1.99 million. Factors Behind the Decline: A significant reduction of 18.13% in exports to Russia accounts for 7.78 million fewer boxes. The Russian market remains challenging due to changing demand dynamics.

The European Union (E.U.) witnessed a decline of 1.25 million boxes (-2.16%). Notably, countries like the Netherlands (-11.02%), Belgium (-17.15%), and Slovenia (-35.53%) significantly reduced their banana imports. The Middle East (down by 1.76 million boxes or -6.61%) and the Southern Cone region (approximately 80,000 boxes or -0.61%) experienced decreased imports of Ecuadorian fruit.

On the other hand, the U.S. contributed an additional 5.64 million boxes (32.07% increase). Italy showed strong growth with 2.96 million more boxes (42.81% rise). Saudi Arabia also boosted imports by 2.14 million boxes (35.05% increase).

Ecuadorian bagging averaged 38.88 banana bunches per hectare per week in June 2024, slightly higher than the 2023 average of 38.36. In critical week 26, the bagging reached 39.10, surpassing the 2023 level of 36.68. The three banana-producing provinces in Ecuador demonstrated improved bagging levels, with Los Ríos reaching weekly averages above 40.

José Antonio Hidalgo, Executive Director of the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE), has been at the forefront of efforts to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Ecuador's banana industry. He said climate change and insecurity have affected banana production. The sector has made significant investments to prevent drug contamination in containers and address issues like kidnappings, extortion, and highway robberies.

Also, a comparison between 2022 and 2023 shows a decrease in unharvested hectares and exported boxes. On average, 0.7 people work per hectare. Ecuador's banana industry faces significant challenges but is actively seeking solutions to maintain its competitiveness and sustainability in the global market.