Tensions have risen between the Philippines and China. In May, a batch of bananas that was imported from the Philippines was destroyed upon arrival in China, due to the alleged presence of residue. More recently, an international court issued a ruling with regards to a territorial dispute in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines, which ended up in favour of the latter. China was not pleased.
“It’s still too early to tell what the aftermath of this ruling will be for our export to China,” says Stephen Antig of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA). “The worst case scenario would be that we’d end up with an oversupply of bananas. However, the Chinese are still buying our products. So far, nothing has changed.”
The Philippines banana industry used to have a lack of government support, but this may change with the current administration. The current secretary of agriculture is Emmanuel Piñol. He is a banana grower himself, so there is hope that the banana industry will now get the attention and support it needs. This may very well extend to other fruit sectors as well. The new administration has made agricultural development a priority in its agenda.
The main growing area for bananas is in the region of Mindanao. Currently any expansions in acreage arent allowed, but Stephen Antig thinks the acreage should be expanded in other parts of the Philippines.
Currently, the market for bananas has seen large volumes from Ecuador in China, while the volumes from the Philippines were beset by adverse weather conditions and diseases. “I do think that the banana industry of the Philippines can recover its market share, though. Our quality is still the best and Ecuador has some large disadvantages with regards to logistics. This makes bananas from Ecuador quite expensive,” explains Antig.
If the PBGEA was to set up a wish list to present to the current administration, a major request would be to set up a government supported banana research institute, like the one found in South Africa. “If we are to maintain our level of quality, we need more research to stay on top. Most banana importers prioritise quality over volume or price.”
Another request would be the implementation of subsidies to give Philippine bananas more competitive strength on the world market. The production costs for bananas are increasing every year. Some growers are considering setting up shop in other producing countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka or even Ecuador.
“I also can’t imagine the Philippines importing cheap bananas and selling them on to countries like Japan or China considering the we have an excellent growing conditions. Yet, we could use our expertise to set up plantations in other countries and use these bananas for cheaper export,” Antig ended.
For more information:
Stephen Antig
PBGEA (Philippines)
Tel: +63 82- 227-7771
Email: admin@pbgea.com
www.pbgea.com
“It’s still too early to tell what the aftermath of this ruling will be for our export to China,” says Stephen Antig of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA). “The worst case scenario would be that we’d end up with an oversupply of bananas. However, the Chinese are still buying our products. So far, nothing has changed.”
The Philippines banana industry used to have a lack of government support, but this may change with the current administration. The current secretary of agriculture is Emmanuel Piñol. He is a banana grower himself, so there is hope that the banana industry will now get the attention and support it needs. This may very well extend to other fruit sectors as well. The new administration has made agricultural development a priority in its agenda.
The main growing area for bananas is in the region of Mindanao. Currently any expansions in acreage arent allowed, but Stephen Antig thinks the acreage should be expanded in other parts of the Philippines.
Currently, the market for bananas has seen large volumes from Ecuador in China, while the volumes from the Philippines were beset by adverse weather conditions and diseases. “I do think that the banana industry of the Philippines can recover its market share, though. Our quality is still the best and Ecuador has some large disadvantages with regards to logistics. This makes bananas from Ecuador quite expensive,” explains Antig.
If the PBGEA was to set up a wish list to present to the current administration, a major request would be to set up a government supported banana research institute, like the one found in South Africa. “If we are to maintain our level of quality, we need more research to stay on top. Most banana importers prioritise quality over volume or price.”
Another request would be the implementation of subsidies to give Philippine bananas more competitive strength on the world market. The production costs for bananas are increasing every year. Some growers are considering setting up shop in other producing countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka or even Ecuador.
“I also can’t imagine the Philippines importing cheap bananas and selling them on to countries like Japan or China considering the we have an excellent growing conditions. Yet, we could use our expertise to set up plantations in other countries and use these bananas for cheaper export,” Antig ended.
For more information:
Stephen Antig
PBGEA (Philippines)
Tel: +63 82- 227-7771
Email: admin@pbgea.com
www.pbgea.com