The banana sector in Ecuador estimates to close 2019 with a total export of 360 million boxes of bananas; 10 million more than in 2018 ($ 3,000 million). Also, banana farmers expect agreements with countries in Asia and the Middle East.
One of the main challenges of 2020 will be to continue with the implementation of biosafety protocol and contingency plans against Fusarium Race 4 or Panama Mal.
In 2019, exports with the EU saw a 3% reduction. “We have less demand because there are fruits that compete with bananas such as avocado and citrus fruits,” said Raúl Villacrés, executive director of the Banana Exporters Association (AEBE).
For his part, Richard Salazar, executive director of the Banana Marketing and Export Association (Acorbanec), explained that despite the reduction of shipments to the EU, important markets have been opened in East Asia in countries such as China, Japan and Korea.
Also in Syria, Turkey and Algeria. From January to October 2019, 60% of banana exports went together to the US, European Union and Russia, and 33% to Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Source: centraldapauta.com.br
