Banana Exports and Markets

Global banana production reached 116.0 million metric tons in 2019, while from 2021 to 2026, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1%. In 2018, among 148 nations, India had the largest consumption of bananas, with 24,530 tons, followed by China and Indonesia. (1)

The Philippines has been recognized as one of the most efficient banana-producing countries, offering the highest quality standard in terms of taste and aesthetic appearance. Bananas are an essential source of revenue for farmers here in the Philippines. It was considered a “cash crop” in the country. The banana industry is currently one of the top agricultural export earners in the country. Banana production contributes significantly not only to the national income in terms of export earnings but also to employment.

Cavendish was the most produced variety, accounting for 1.17 million metric tons or 49.4% of all bananas produced in the Philippines.

With an output of 842.60 thousand metric tons or 35.5% of the overall production throughout the time, my region (Davao Region) was the top banana producer. Northern Mindanao and SOCCSKSARGEN came in second and third, with 21.6 and 13.8% shares, respectively. (2)

The Philippine Banana Industry is experiencing factors affecting trade prospects in 2021 and half of 2022. Key factors that affect the trade:

• Production shortages are brought on by unfavorable weather and inadequate fertilizer use.
• The input (e.g., fertilizers) costs increase is another significant problem farmers face.
• Expensive International shipping throughout, especially the first half of 2021.
• The shortages in a refrigerated containers.
• The additional cost to producers and operators along the supply chain due to elevated sanitary measures from COVID-19.
• The considerable strengthening of the US dollar against the currencies of several nations that import and export bananas.
• The spread of plant diseases is a concern, particularly Banana Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4.
• Tougher restrictions on maximum residue levels in a few key markets.

The Philippines is one of the biggest exporters of bananas and was ranked second only to Ecuador in the past few decades. Bananas are the most traded fruit in the world. The devastating effects of Typhoon Pablo in 2012 resulted in a dramatic fall in production in the provinces of Mindanao, where the main producing areas are located. Other variables that have impacted recovery include pests and diseases, shifting weather patterns, and even the government’s concentration on expanding other crops. The Philippines reclaimed the number 2 spot in 2017 as an exporter of bananas. China and Japan are the two major destination countries for the Philippine bananas.

The Philippines exported $1.49 billion of bananas in 2021, ranking second in the world for banana exports. The same year, bananas ranked as the Philippines’ ninth most popular export.

Japan ($706M)

China ($426M)

South Korea ($202M)

Saudi Arabia ($34.3M)

Hong Kong ($24.3M)

During the two years period from 2020 to 2021, South Korea ($11.9M), Russia ($390k), and the United States ($356k) saw the fastest growth in the export of bananas from the Philippines. (3)

In 2021, the top exporters of Bananas were:

Ecuador ($3.67B)

Philippines ($1.49B)

Costa Rica ($1.23B)

Colombia ($1.07B)

Guatemala ($1.01B)

In 2021, the top importers of Bananas were:

United States ($2.44B)

China ($1.14B)

Japan ($852M)

Germany ($801M)

Russia ($748M) (4)

 Specification of Exportable Philippine Bananas

Origin: Philippines

Variety Commodity: Cavendish Banana

Color: Green

Quality Grade: Class A 4,5,6,7,8,9 and Cluster Pack A

Wt. Range per Hand: 2.25 Kg – 3.4 Kg (Regular 4,5,6 hands)

1.5 Kg – 2.0 kg (Small 7,8,9 hands)

Finger Length: 7.5 (Regular 4,5,6 hands0, 6.5 (Small 7,8,9 hands)

Calibration: 42 – 47 (Regular 4,5,6 hands), 35 – 48 (Small 7,8,9 hands)

Age of harvest : 9 – 11 weeks

Net wt. per Box: 13 Kg net weight

No. of boxes load 40Ft containers: 1,540 boxes

Temperature settings: 13.7 degree Celsius

References:

1. https://bigmanbusiness.com/113/banana-top-import-export-countries-2022/
2. https://psa.gov.ph/
3. https://oec.world/en/
4. https://oec.world/en/

Banana: Crop History, Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Banana Plant Information & Environmental Requirements

Banana Variety Selection

Banana Plant Care – Commercial Cultivation of Bananas

Soil Requirements and Land Preparation for Bananas

Banana Planting Distances and Support Systems

Banana Water Requirements & Irrigation Systems

Banana Nutrient Requirements and Fertilization Program

Banana Plant Protection – Major Banana Diseases

Banana Plant Protection – Common Pests of Banana Plants

Banana Yield, Harvest, Processing and Storage

Banana Exports and Markets