Spain: ASPROCAN argues that third countries and ACP banana exports increased in 2006

Tholen – According to the Asociación de Productores de Plátano de Canarias (ASPROCAN), “the tariff of € 176 was and is insufficient to protect community growers and keep the market as it was in January 1 2006”. They argued that ACP exports increased 18.60% and third country exports (so-called dollar bananas) increased 10.66%. The increasing exports of third countries and ACP represents for ASPROCAN a clear signal that the market is oversupplied. Subsequently prices are falling in prejudice of Canary producers.

ASPROCAN figures for 2006 show the increasing exports from third countries which accounted for 315,937 tons, a similar figure to the bananas sold by the Canary Islands. Although, exports from the leading country Ecuador decreased, exports from Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama and Brazil increased, being the most outstanding exporters Costa Rica and Brazil. Among ACP countries, exports account for 905,742 tons in 2006. Ivory Coast and Jamaica increased their exports drastically, with 24.26% and 173.41% respectively. The leading exporting countries of the ACP were Cameroon and Belize which kept stable exports comparing 2005 and 2006.

Additional problems for Canary producers are the constant delays to pick up the fruit in port by shipping companies declared the President of ASPROCAN, Manuel Lorenzo Pérez.

Publication date: March 30 2007
Author: Jahir Lombana
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