According to data from the Bank of Guatemala, Guatemalan banana sales in 2013 grew by double-digits, making this activity the fourth highest foreign exchange earner.
Statistics indicate that banana exports amounted to U.S. $623.4 million last year, 25% and 123.5 million dollars more than in 2012 when sales amount to 499.8 million dollars.
Export volume increase by 21%, from 36.1 million quintals in 2012 to 43.8 million in 2013, i.e. 7.7 million quintals more than in the previous cycle.
In the last ten years exports have increased by 197%, from 209.9 million dollars in 2003 to 623 million in 2013.
Export volume grew 114%, from 20.4 million bushels in 2003 to 43.8 million last year.
In 2013, the price per quintal of banana in the international market recorded a slight 2.7% increase averaging $14.23 dollars, while in 2012 it was at $13.85.
The central bank's statistics indicate that the U.S. was the main recipient of the national fruit, and that sales to that country amounted to $596 million dollars, 95% of total exports. Guatemalan bananas pay no tariffs upon entering the U.S. market.
The remaining 5% of exports were shipped to Asian and European countries.
The biggest banana and plantain production in the country is done in the region of Escuintla. The department has an area of 18,553 hectares devoted to the crops, i.e. 33.1 % of the national production.
According to the APIB, Guatemala is the third largest exporter of bananas worldwide, ahead of Costa Rica and Colombia, but behind Ecuador and the Philippines.
prensalibre.com