The value of banana exports from Laos to China increased tenfold in the last few years, and has already become one of the most valuable export industries in Laos. However, data from the Department of Labor and Commerce in Laos shows that China only imported 30 million USD worth of commercial products from Bokeo Province in the first 9 months of 2018. Banana imports accounted for 25 million of that amount. This is a decrease of 184.04% in comparison with banana import in the same period last year.
Banana plantation in Laos
The Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has already strengthened its inspection of relevant certificates based on the requirements of the "Announcement on the quarantine inspection requirements for banana import from Laos".
Khamkeung Phiewlavanh, vice-head of the Department of Labor and Commerce in Bokeo Province, Laos, stated that the department has not yet made a projection of banana export in 2019, but expects that it will show a downward trend. "The government of Laos does not currently allow investors or farmers to expand banana plantation because of environmental reasons. The department encourages banana farmers to shift production to other product varieties."
Source: ncw365.com