Colombia exported more than 63.7 million boxes of bananas between January and July of this year, which is 10 million more than the same period in 2023, according to figures available today from the Banana Growers Association (Augura). The association also reported an increase in the value of external sales during the first seven months, rising from $510.6 million to $591.5 million, which is 15.8 per cent higher than the previous year.

The president of Augura, Emerson Aguirre, stated that the banana sector is crucial for Colombia's economy and essential for the income of 50,000 direct workers in production units, especially in the Urabá Antioqueño region in the northeast. He clarified that this sector represents 70 per cent of the total income of municipalities such as Turbo, Chigorodó, Apartadó, and Carepa. He also noted that the fruit harvest provided a livelihood for former guerrillas who had reintegrated from peace processes and had become union and political leaders in the region.