In the first four months of 2017, the export volume of Philippine bananas to the Chinese market has dropped 33%, compared to the same period last year. The Filipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) states that, influenced by the dry weather of last year, they already expected this trend.
Statistics show that from January until April this year, the export volume of Philippine bananas was only 29,590 tons, well down from the 44,379 tons in the same period last year. China and other export markets have already started to buy bananas from other areas, such as Latin America. Recently, China imported bananas from Vietnam and Indonesia. China is the fourth largest buyer of the Philippine's bananas. Japan is the biggest buyer, with 550,079 tons. The Middle East and Korea buy respectively 403,259 tons and 224,192 tons.
Source: Foods1.com