The Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) said the void was created after Chinese authorities imposed a stricter stringent agricultural quarantine for Philippine products since March this year.
"We are looking at other markets that can buffer the impact of the ban that China is imposing on our bananas," said Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association executive director Stephen Antig.
"While we are at it, other countries are already entering China. And we might lose the market to them," he said Thursday.
Geographically, Ecuador is halfway across the globe from China. Its distance alone should merit the price of Ecuadorian bananas uncompetitive compared to the selling price of Philippine-produced bananas. But the subsidy provided by the Ecuadorian government to their local producers is what gives them the advantage.
"We hope for the same kind of support from the government, especially during these trying times for the banana industry. This is the time when we need the government support the most," Antig said.
Meanwhile, the prices of Philippine bananas continue to slump in the international market due to the excess in supply following the closure of China. Fruit cost is currently pegged at about $ 1.50 to $ 2.00 compared to the previous prevailing price of $ 4.50 to S 5.00 per box.
Source: www.sunstar.com.ph