The bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum Race 2, known as "moko", affects bananas, plantains, and other musaceae. The Agency for Phytosanitary Regulation and Control (Agrocalidad) is intensifying controls to detect this pest in Musaceae, using various strategies, including training, sampling, and drone overflights. The pest spreads through soil, water, and contaminated plant material or by handling tools or machinery that has yet to be previously disinfected.

A satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Hurricane Idalia, centre, over Florida and crossing into Georgia, and Hurricane Franklin, right, as it moves off the East coast of the U.S., on August 30, 2023. Federal forecasters say the climate p that which brought warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures to the Eastern Pacific — and helped drive global temperatures to new heights — since June 2023 is officially over. As expected, the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center declared that neutral conditions returned during the past month.

American sportswear corporation Nike will christen A.P. Moller–Maersk's new methanol-enabled containership at the Port of Los Angeles Outer Harbor on August 27, 2024. This cutting-edge vessel, powered by green fuel for its maiden voyage, can carry over 16,000 containers (TEUs). It will receive its new name during a private ceremony. Maersk's innovative containerships stand out from traditional designs. Notably, they position crew accommodation and the bridge at the bow, with a single funnel at the stern.

Ocean freight container shipping spot rates are predicted to rise further, although the growth rate may decelerate, per the ocean freight rate benchmarking firm Xeneta. Xeneta's data suggests that the average spot rates from the Far East to the U.S. West Coast are projected to increase by 4.8%, reaching USD 6,178 per 40ft equivalent unit (FEU). This contrasts with a 20% increase on the same trade route earlier in the month.

The Panama Canal has successfully averted a shipping crisis that threatened to disrupt $270 billion worth of annual trade. This was achieved through meticulous water management and a touch of good fortune. Last year, as drought conditions prevailed in the Central American nation, the Panama Canal Authority was compelled to reduce the daily number of vessels permitted to cross the canal to 22, approximately 60% of the usual traffic. This led to shippers paying hefty sums to bypass the growing queue and evade wait times beyond two weeks.

In a proactive move to curb food price inflation, the South Korean government has announced an extension of the tariff exemption for ten imported fruits until the end of September. This strategic decision is part of the government's ongoing efforts to maintain market stability. The fruits that will continue to benefit from zero import duty include bananas, pineapples, mangoes, grapefruit, kiwifruit, avocados, mangosteens, cherries, durian, and mandarins. Initially set to expire at the end of June, Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Choi Sang-mok, extended the tariff exemption.

In St. Petersburg, banana selling prices fluctuated between USD 20.71 and 21.85 per box CIF, depending on the brand, volume, quality, and packaging. Due to weak demand, the prices were lower than the previous week. In week 24, approximately 1.395 million boxes were discharged, and 1.540 million are expected for week 25. The exchange rate was volatile. The official rate was 1 USD = 88.21 RUB. However, the exchange rate at local banks for purchasing U.S. currency was 1 USD = 91-93 RUB. The U.S. has imposed new sanctions against Russia, immediately ending dollar and euro trading on Russia's leading financial platform, the Moscow Exchange (MOEX.MM). The exchange and the central bank issued statements within an hour of Washington's announcement of these sanctions on June 12, a public holiday in Russia. These sanctions aim to disrupt the flow of money and goods that sustain Russia's war in Ukraine. The central bank stated, "The U.S.'s imposition of restrictive measures against the Moscow Exchange Group has resulted in the suspension of exchange trading and settlements of deliverable instruments in U.S. dollars and euros." This development means that banks, corporations, and investors will no longer be able to trade either currency through a central exchange, which typically offers liquidity, clearing, and oversight benefits. The impact of these developments on the banana trade remains to be seen. In the Mediterranean, Ecuadorean bananas were sold at CIF prices of USD 16.0-17.0 per box while Central American fruit was priced around USD 2.0 less per box.

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The Cochabamba Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock has warned that the ongoing blockade on the route between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba is causing daily losses of up to 10 million dollars. Since June 7, various social sectors have been obstructing this road, demanding the construction of a road section in the Yapacaní municipality. This situation, which producers describe as a "daily ordeal," reflects the frustration of sectors dissatisfied with the response to their demands, leading to road blockades as a pressure tactic.

Fresh Del Monte inaugurated a new forest nursery in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica, on June 13 to cultivate native species and promote reforestation in the North and Caribbean regions. The place will be called Vivero La Danta and dedicate 2,500 square meters of land to plant the seeds collected in the company's forest areas. The goal is for these trees to be subsequently donated to the owners and neighbours of the area, to donate at least 10,000 trees per year.

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One Banana eagerly awaits participating in the highly anticipated Organic Produce Summit (OPS) next month. This year has been a significant milestone for our vertically integrated family business as we launched Planeta. This new sustainability strategy will drive substantial change and redefine sustainable food systems. At OPS, One Banana is excited to expand its network and proudly showcase its sustainably grown fresh bananas, including premium and organic varieties.

The first shipment of Ecuadorian bananas, benefiting from the trade agreement signed with China, which took effect on May 1, has already arrived in the Asian country. Richard Salazar, the executive director of the Association of Marketing and Export of Bananas of Ecuador (Acorbanec), confirmed this. The bananas that left Ecuador by sea arrived in China between June 5 and 8. He explained that the transit time for this cargo from Ecuador to China is approximately 35 to 38 days, depending on the destination ports.

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The Panama Canal facilitates approximately 5% of global trade ($270 billion worth of cargo annually). It aims to make its comprehensive reservation system for ships desiring to traverse it "more permanent." It is also considering the construction of a new reservoir to enhance its capacity. Despite the challenges posed by the drought triggered by the El Niño phenomenon, the Panama Canal has shown remarkable resilience.