Banana production in Ecuador has slowed for the third consecutive month due to cold weather and declining yields. According to the Ecuadorian Banana Exporters Association (AEBE), after a 5.89% increase in shipments in May, growth fell to 5.47% in June, 4.95% in July, and 4.26% in August.

Despite remaining positive overall in 2025, Ecuador's banana exports are showing signs of deceleration. By August, exports had reached 229.8 million boxes, which is 10.84 million more than the same period in 2024, but the growth rate is weakening. This slowdown is influenced by colder temperatures, reduced fruit availability, and increasingly complicated logistical and commercial conditions.

The strongest sales come from the European Union, Russia, the Middle East, and the United States, contributing over seven percentage points to the overall growth, with annual variations ranging from 7.5% to 14%. In contrast, regions such as Africa (-64.2%), Central Asia (-12.3%), and Oceania (-14.8%) experienced a decline in growth of more than 4 percent, indicating a shift in global demand patterns. While traditional markets continue to perform well, others are losing relevance.

AEBE has reported that since week 31, temperatures in production zones have been between 0.5°C and 1.97°C lower than the previous year. This has slowed fruit maturation and reduced bagging rates.

Weekly production has decreased by 4% to 6% year-over-year, resulting in limited fruit availability and hindering exporters' ability to meet demand. This trend coincides with the arrival of the cold season, which extends production cycles and delays fruit harvesting.

External challenges have further complicated the situation. Global port congestion, rising logistics costs, geopolitical tensions, and new tariff barriers in key markets such as the United States are putting pressure on the supply chain, disrupting trade flows and contract fulfillment.

Domestically, the decreased supply has forced exporters to restructure their logistics and commercial planning. Additionally, they face security issues in production zones and a persistent shortage of skilled labor.